Hal waited a few minutes, and then arose slowly to his feet. While Duval
had held the flashlight, the lad had taken in his surroundings, and now
he cautiously approached where he knew the stairway to be. His
outstretched hand touched the rail and his foot found the lowest step. He
ascended silently.
The knob turned under his hand, and the door swung back without even a
creak. Inside was perfect blackness.
Hal closed the door softly behind him and stole along what seemed to be a
long hall. He went very slowly, and finally his outstretched hand touched
an obstruction. He felt it over carefully, and his hand touched a knob.
It was another door.
Hal placed his ear to the floor and listened. There was no sound from
beyond. He arose and tried the knob. The door opened and the light
flashed into the lad's eyes, almost blinding him.
He paused uncertainly, and then, not being accosted, stepped in and
closed the door behind him. His eyes were used to the light by this time,
and he looked quickly about him. He was in a bedroom.
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