We were now at the bottom of the stairs, and I suggested that Armand and Humphreys should stay there as a kind of rear-guard.
"A good plan!" said Raoul. "Should this fellow attempt to escape run your sword through him. Now, my man, lead on, and remember you will pay dearly for mistakes."
I had rarely known my comrade so firm, so energetic and determined: this was a phase of his character not often shown. Pillot shrugged his shoulders carelessly and led the way. Up we went through the silent house, past many empty rooms, till our guide came to a halt on the topmost storey.
"Our dear Peleton likes to be high up," said he with a grin; "it is so quiet and pleasant. By this time most likely he has gone to bed; he keeps good hours. Perhaps monsieur will unlock the door while I hold the candle," and he handed Raoul a key.
Stooping down, my comrade endeavoured to insert the key, but there was evidently something amiss.
"Monsieur has not the knack," said Pillot. "Shall I try?"
"I believe you have given me the wrong key, you rascal."
"Oh, surely not, monsieur! I could not have been so stupid. Let me see it. No, it is the proper key, monsieur. See," and taking the key from Raoul, he asked him to hold the light.
In passing from one to the other the candle by some means dropped to the ground and the light was extinguished, leaving us in darkness.
"Do not move, monsieur; it is close to your foot. Now I have it! Ah, you have kicked it away. What a misfortune!"