410 and disappeared, the delay, seemingly caused by a parley with some one within, being longer in this instance.
Afterward squads of Chinamen, exactly 25, all told, came from north and south in practically equal numbers and entered those two houses, but never a man entered, or passed, or came out of No.412.These more numerous arrivals met with no hesitation on the part of the two doorkeepers.

They entered without let or hindrance.
After that there was what is known in theatrical circles as a "stage wait." Charlotte Street, save for its loafers and an occasional belated resident of some dwelling other than those under observation, lapsed into its normal and utterly dismal gloom.
From 12:30 onwards, Winter, stationed on the south side, looked at his watch many times.

A little man, mingling with the disreputable rascals on the north side, was similarly fidgety.
A tall, slim man, wearing a dark overcoat, who lurked in a doorway near Winter's post, blew the tip of the cigar he was smoking into a red glow so that he might look at his watch.

Another tall man, rather more powerfully built, awaited developments with apparent unconcern.

Mr.
Handyside, in fact, was in the august company of the Commissioner of Police, and the latter, though eminently agreeable, nevertheless observed an Olympian attitude.