The figure emerged from shadows which were now transforming into total darkness. All was still, apart from the gentle sway of branches in the trees and the slow movement of the canal water which could no longer be discerned as the daylight finally succumbed to the gathering night. Silently the figure paused to listen. Apart from the gentle rustling of leaves and the sound of distant music the quietness, which had encouraged venturing out from the comparative safety of the log pile, enveloped the wharf.
Satisfied there was no immediate danger of being observed, the silent figure cautiously took a few steps toward the quay before pausing to listen and peer into the blackness of the wharf. All seemed clear. A few more steps, then without warning a loud plop broke the silence. The figure stopped moving, madly beating heart seeming to fill the night with its rapid pulse ....