Having made a hasty visit to the tower, and discovered that the candle had burned right out in the most satisfactory manner, Duke hurried to Mr. Alan's room.
"Have you brought matches?" Noel asked.
"Of course," Duke replied, showing the corner of a box protruding from his jacket pocket. "Now then, to open this door."
It did not prove so easy as he expected. By accident he had touched the right spot on the previous day; but now it was not till after many knocks and pushes had been given, and when Noel was beginning to hope that it would not yield, that the picture swung back with startling suddenness and showed the steps behind.
"Hurrah!" cried Duke. "Come along, Noel." He knew that Noel was trembling at the thought of descending that dim, narrow stairway; but he did not care. Indeed, he rather found pleasure in making Noel do what he feared to do.
Without a word Noel followed Duke. There was no light on the other side, save what entered through the doorway.
"Now I'll light the candle," said Duke, "and then we must close this door all but the tiniest crack, or someone may come in and discover the secret."
"No one will come," said Noel. "Don't shut the door, Duke."
He spoke too late. As Duke gave the door what he intended to be but a slight push it sprang back and closed with a sharp snap.
A cry broke from Noel.