A black haircloth sofa, with broad mahogany arm, offered two easy
steps, enabling me to tip the heavy frame sufficiently so as to peer
behind. The one glance was sufficient. Underneath was an opening in
the wall, much less in width than the picture, yet ample for the
passage of a crouched body. The arm of the sofa made egress
comparatively easy, while the frame of the picture, though appearing
heavy and substantial, was in reality of light wood, and presented no
obstacle to an active man. The passage was black, and I thrust my head
and shoulders in, striving to discern something of its nature. For
possibly three feet I could trace the floor, but beyond that point it
seemed to disappear into impenetrable darkness. This line of change
was so distinct that I surmised at once it marked a descent to a lower
level, either by ladder or stairs. Well, this would benefit me, rather
than otherwise, for if anyone was concealed therein it would be down
below, where the light streaming into the upper passage, as I pressed
back the frame to gain room for my body, would be unnoticed. There was
no hesitancy as to what I must do. Now I had discovered this secret
passage it must be thoroughly explored. The safest way was to burrow
through the dark, trusting to hands and feet for safety, and prepared
for any encounter. Whoever might be hidden away there would certainly
possess some light, sufficient for any warning I needed. Every
advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness.

If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay
progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger. Wherever
Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could
I expect Mrs. Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she
deemed necessary. This was my opportunity and must be utilized
promptly. Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in