midnight
murmured the young man unconsciously . The light appeared again , dancing athwart the inner wall of the room , and was lost as abruptly as before . On impulse Maitland buttoned his top-coat across his chest , turning up the collar to hide his linen , darted stealthily a yard or two to one side , and with one noiseless bound reached the floor of the veranda . A breath later he stood by the front door , where , at first glance , he discovered the means of entrance used by the midnight marauder ; the doors stood ajar , a black interval showing between them . So that , then , was the way ! Cautiously Maitland put a hand upon the knob and pushed . A sharp , penetrating squeak brought him to an abrupt standstill , heart hammering shamefully again .