Careful to remain always in the shadow, and moving with greatest caution, I retraced my steps, entered the vineyard at the point where I had seen one figure disappear, and after a few moments discovered a narrow path through the trailing richly laden vines which led through an open gate to a small side door in a wing of the great old building.
I tried it. The handle yielded. They had passed through there, without a doubt!
Should I enter there? Was I not perhaps risking my life in so doing? They were a desperate trio. I knew well my fate, if they discovered that I had learned their secret.
I held my breath. Then with sudden resolve, I slowly pushed the door open and peered eagerly within.
Next instant I drew back aghast.
What I saw there staggered me. I was not prepared for it.
I could distinctly hear my own heart beating within me.