Роджер Желязны. Знак хаоса

Кто-нибудь знает, зачем Желязны акцентировал эту проваливающуюся ступеньку?

"I'm told there's a loose step," he remarked as he passed me the light.
"Which one is it?" He shook his head.
"Prince Gerard's reported it several times," he said, "but no one else seems to notice it."
"Okay," I said. "Thanks."
This time Coral didn't object to my going first.
...
So we started down again.
About a half minute later I saw something white near the side of a lower step. I slowed. Then I realized that it was only a handkerchief. A little nearer, however, and I saw that it was held in place by a dagger. Also, there were markings upon it. I halted, reached out, flattened it, and read. "THIS ONE, DAMN IT! -GERARD," It said.
"Careful here," I said to Coral.
I prepared to step over it, but on an impulse I tested it lightly with one foot. No squeaks. I shifted more weight onto it. Nothing. It felt fine. I stood on it. The same. I shrugged.
"Careful, anyway," I said.