He secured a new hold on the girl, and griped the blade of the knife with his teeth, as he climbed upon the structure and advanced.
It took the cunning of his right hand to steady him.
All at once he stopped and crouched to the stones, with a heart suddenly stilled by terror.
A living object was on the bridge before him, but whether man or beast he could not tell.
It was a moment of indescribable suspense.
The traitor, without knowing the nature of his foe, would not advance.
But he must cross the river; freedom, safety, lay beyond the further bank.
At last he started forward again.
No noise.
Perhaps, after all, his senses had deceived him.