It was the rudest thing; just slats nailed across a pole--a ladder for bears, not men. But I was young and lithe, and quickly was down and through, and standing, trembling over this finish to my adventure, on the floor of a little dark, invisible room. And so, before I had time to collect myself, the other was descended in my footsteps, and the ladder hauled in and laid along the wall, and a little silence ensued. “Well,” said his voice at length, “you are safe at last, little sister.” Then, I don’t know how it was, the tears would come. “Why, don’t you believe it?” he whispered, groping a step nearer. “Have you given me reason to?” I answered, shrinking from his touch, and gulping down my sobs. He drew away at once. “The best reason in the world,” he said coldly, “since I have placed my life in your hands--since I leave you here the means to escape, if you will, and curry favour by betraying me.” I could have cried out on his cruelty, but dared not. “Understand, this is your sanctuary,” he went on, “prepared against your coming, and which none, in their turn, will betray. The path to it is sacred to me. No one will disturb you; you are secure as a bird in its nest. There is a bed in a corner; rushlight and holder and tinder-box on a table by. Light, and take possession. I must go and reassure Portlock.” I heard him move softly over the floor; a trap opened somewhere, letting in a momentary weak film of light, and he was gone. For a time I stood motionless, hearing the murmur of voices somewhere below; then, suddenly panic-struck, groped for the table and tinder, and shakily struck fire. The wick caught, flamed up and settled, and I saw my possession. It was the tiniest, kindest little room, under a sloping roof, clean and friendly, with a white bed. I was dazed and weary beyond speculation. Leaving the light burning, I crept under the coverlet as I was, and fell into a profound sleep. XVIII. I BEGIN ANOTHER FOLLY I opened my eyes to a sense of utter restfulness and peace. A feeling of green isolation, of a quiet and guarded security, such as not all Gogo’s watchfulness could accomplish for me in the tower, came instantly to comfort the first startled shock of my waking. Little demure clouds drifted over the skylight; I heard a faint twitter of birds on the hillside; there were woodland berries and flaming leaves in my room; pictures, too; and a dozen pretty attentions to reassure me. Sure he must have made very certain of his capture before he decorated the cage so handsomely. And for how long, pray, had he held his hand and aloof, biding his opportunity? He must have kept his secret well, at least, for I had never known a hint of his presence.