* * * * *
The moon appeared through a rift in the clouds, and filled the
drawing-room with its bright white light. But only for a moment.
Then the moon again retired behind its ethereal draperies, and
darkness and silence reigned supreme. No sound could be heard,
save the monotonous ticking of the clock. It struck two, and then
continued its endless repetitions of the seconds. Then, three
o'clock.
Suddenly, something clicked, like the opening and closing of a
signal-disc that warns the passing train. A thin stream of light
flashed to every corner of the room, like an arrow that leaves
behind it a trail of light. It shot forth from the central fluting
of a column that supported the pediment of the bookcase. It rested
for a moment on the panel opposite like a glittering circle of
burnished silver, then flashed in all directions like a guilty eye
that scrutinizes every shadow. It disappeared for a short time,
but burst forth again as a whole section of the bookcase revolved
on a picot and disclosed a large opening like a vault.
A man entered, carrying an electric lantern. He was followed by a
second man, who carried a coil of rope and various tools.
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