time earlier she had met with a dangerous adventure.

Since the opposite side of the street was comparatively in darkness,
I slipped across, and in a state of high nervous tension pursued
this strange work of espionage. I was convinced that I had
forestalled Bristol and that I was hot upon the track of those who
could explain the mystery of the dead dwarf.

The woman entered the gate of the block of dwellings even more
forbidding in appearance than those which that night had staged
a dreadful drama.

As the figure with the basket was lost from view I crept on, and
in turn entered the evil-smelling hallway. I stepped cautiously,
and standing beneath a gaslight protected by a wire frame, I
congratulated myself upon having reached that point of vantage as
silently as any Sioux stalker.

Footsteps were receding up the stone stairs. Craning my neck, I
peered up the well of the staircase. I could not see the woman,
but from the sound of her tread it was possible to count the
landings which she passed. When she had reached the fourth, and I
heard her step upon yet another flight, I knew that she must be
bound for the topmost floor; and observing every precaution, almost
holding my breath in a nervous endeavour to make not the slightest
sound, rapidly I mounted the stairs.

I was come to the third landing in this secret fashion when quite
distinctly I heard the grating of a key in a lock!