C25 Man in water

The sound of footsteps came from downstairs.

With a candle in my hand, I tiptoed to the top of the stairs. The light of the candle was so weak that I did not mention the kerosene lamp because I was afraid that the moment I went down I would be discovered. That was why I took the candle, forgetting my limited sight.

With one hand on the banister of the stairs, I turned to look at the door