I am almost sure that I made no noise; and while Daddy Jacques remained at the foot of the ladder, I mounted it, very quietly, my stout stick in my hand.

I held my breath and lifted my feet with the greatest care.

Suddenly a heavy cloud discharged itself at that moment in a fresh downpour of rain.
"At the same instant the sinister cry of the Bete du bon Dieu arrested me in my ascent.

It seemed to me to have come from close by me--only a few yards away.

Was the cry a signal ?--Had some accomplice of the man seen me on the ladder!--Would the cry bring the man to the window ?--Perhaps! Ah, there he was at the window! I felt his head above me.