He walked a few feet forward across the level floor, and came to a stop again.
"'Tis the top of the tower," said he. "I hope we're not too late to save the young lad's life. Stand close behind me."
He moved forward again, and stopped; he was evidently feeling a wall with his hands.
"Ah!" said he. "'Tis the door itself. Now, thin, we'll see!"
He knocked upon the door with his knuckles.
There was no response.
He knocked again.
There was a sound upon the other side of the door, as of the rattling of a chain and the sliding of a bolt.
A slit of light appeared up and down in the dark wall; it became wider; it was apparent that the door was opening; and in another moment the door was flung wide, and in the doorway stood an Old Man, holding up in his right hand a lantern in which glimmered a candle.