Must wait till vigilance subsides.

Keep yourself in readiness." A fortnight passed; and then, in the middle of the night, he leapt suddenly from the bed on which he had thrown himself, without undressing, as he heard the key grating in the door.

For a minute or two the sound continued, and his heart sank again.
"They have got a key, but it won't fit," he muttered.
Suddenly he heard the bolt shoot back, and the door quietly opened.
"Are you ready ?" a voice asked in a whisper.
"Quite ready." "Then follow me." Ryan had caught up his boots as he leapt from the bed.

The man outside had evidently taken the precaution to remove his, for his step was perfectly noiseless.

Dick followed him downstairs and out into the courtyard.