And this I did for seven long nights, every night just at midnight,

but upon the eighth night I was more than usually cautious in opening the door.

A watch's minute hand moves more quickly than did mine.

Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers, of my sagacity.

I could scarcely contain my feelings of triumph.

To think that there I was opening the door little by little, and he not even to dream of my secret deeds or thoughts.

I fairly chuckled at the idea, and perhaps he heard me, for he moved on the bed suddenly as if startled.