Disappointment upon disappointment, and a great dread upon her mind that her gaoler would return, find out her attempt to escape, and defeat it by bearing away the key. Another trial, and another, and another, and once more the key caught against that double in the oilcloth; but now a vigorous snatch and it had fallen over it and close to the door, and though the cord came through without, she could now plainly see the wards of the key--touch them with one of the splints--draw them towards her--touch them with a finger--hold the key in her hand--and be at liberty once more. Her heart beat with excitement, and then seemed to come to a dead stop, for as she stood where she had leaped to her feet, there came once again the sound of footsteps, now descending, and the steps were stayed by the door, where it was evident that some one was listening. Beat--beat--beat--beat--again her heart throbbed wildly for a few moments. Then again, heavy pulsations that seemed as if they would make her head split with each agonising pang. Then once more her heart seemed to stop. Would whoever was listening there see that the key was gone, and ask for it? Would she be compelled to give it up, or would they keep watch at the door to see that she did not escape? "Do you want anything?" said the voice of Mrs Walls. "No--no!" was the answer, and the last speaker's heart beat more wildly in dread lest her eagerness should excite suspicion. No! there was no notice taken: the steps went on along the passage, and seemed to descend to an underground kitchen, while for some minutes the prisoner stood motionless as a statue. All silent once more but the grating noise as the key was softly pushed into the lock. Then slowly--gradually--by a tremendous effort over self, when she was longing to rush out, the key was turned, creaking loudly in the old worn lock. But now the bolt shot back, the handle was turned, and she stood in the passage, after the door had resented the movement by giving two or three loud cracks. She stood there ready dressed, just in time to hear a sharp voice that she at once recognised exclaim-- "What's that?" Then a chair made a loud scraping noise upon the floor below, as if some one had suddenly risen. There was not a moment to lose; there were steps already upon the kitchen-stairs as she ran along the passage to the front door. But there was an obstacle here: the door was locked, and a great chain up, whose ring was at the bottom of a spiral.