Moore hesitated. What lay behind the stone? His last look at the library windows, from far down the hillside, had shown no light within; yet was it really so, or was it only that the curtains were drawn? If the Princess would but consent to remain here, at least until he had gone in and inspected. He glanced at her uncertainly, and she read his mind, and shook her head.
“I follow you,” she said.
With a sigh, he adjusted his mask; she and De Coursey and Marsov did the same.
“Does the stone move easily?” he asked.
“It did when I used it, sir,” said Jessac.
“Can you open it only a trifle at first?”
“No, my lord, once started it must make its swing.”
“And if there be something in the way?”
“There never used to be, sir; it was always kept clear.”
“Then pray Heaven it is so still.” He loosed his sword and shut off the torch. “Open!” he ordered.