I shall strike three blows at intervals, after the manner of the free-masons.
In order that you may know to whom you engage or refuse your word, I sign a name which is known to you, that name having been, under circumstances you have probably not forgotten, pronounced before you.
MORGAN, Chief of the Companions of Jehu.
Roland read the letter twice, thought it over for a few moments, then rose suddenly, and, entering the First Consul's study, handed it to him silently.

The latter read it without betraying the slightest emotion, or even surprise; then, with a laconism that was wholly Lacedaemonian, he said: "Place the light." Then he gave the letter back to Roland.
The next evening, at seven o'clock, the light shone in the window, and at five minutes past the hour, Roland in person was waiting at the little door of the garden.

He had scarcely been there a moment when three blows were struck on the door after the manner of the free-masons; first two strokes and then one.
The door was opened immediately.

A man wrapped in a cloak was sharply defined against the grayish atmosphere of the wintry night.

As for Roland, he was completely hidden in shadow.