Taking advantage of the bustle at the time of the delivery of each armful, he would glide along several feet. In this manner he had nearly reached the foot of the stairs, and so far as he could judge was unsuspected.
But as yet he had only had play when compared with the tact required to mount the stairs.
When half way up he overheard whispers. The words he could not comprehend, but, as he heard no movement toward the stairs, he thought they did not refer to him.
But they did.
The stairs had cracked and squeaked, notwithstanding his carefulness in stepping.
And the earth which had softened his footfalls so that they had not been heard, now performed the same kindly office for the burglars.
They were edging toward the stairs.
They reached the foot, as Shadow reached the head of them.
Any doubt which the burglars may have had was put to flight by hearing the sigh of relief which unconsciously fell from Shadow's lips as he took the last upward step.
At once there was a rush up-stairs by the villainous crew.