The blow he had dealt was quick and powerful, but not loud enough to awaken any one from a sound slumber, though it had rendered his victim unconscious for the time, and the noise of dragging him the short distance to his room had not disturbed any one.
The next thing was to get inside that other room without creating any confusion.
He knew that his captive was only stunned, and would doubtless soon recover from the effects of the blow he had given him; but locked within that room, he knew he could not escape for he was in the fourth story, and could not, of course, make his way out by the window.
He did not think, either, that he would make any noise upon returning to his senses, for he would be sure to bring upon himself deeper trouble if he did so.
He stood and listened a moment or two outside the door of the room where Editha lay, thinking that something of the disturbance must have reached its occupants, since both were awake, and the affair had occurred so near to them.
He hoped the attendant would come to the door and look out to see what was the trouble, when he would easily be able to get inside, and into Editha’s presence, without using any forcible means.
If her attendant had not been attracted, and she did not come, he had resolved to knock gently for admittance. Even then he feared he should not gain it, since he surmised, and correctly, too, that the man must have some signal by which his presence could be known from that of any one else.
Earle’s conjectures, however, proved correct. Editha’s attendant had heard a slight noise in the hall and been startled by it.
“Did you hear anything?” she asked, turning to the girl on the bed.
“No, nothing,” she answered, wearily.