He left the door ajar and the lamp burning.
I guessed he had gone to have a look at his prisoners, in which case the show was up.

But what filled my mind was an insane desire to get a sight of his map.

It was one of those mad impulses which utterly cloud right reason, a thing independent of any plan, a crazy leap in the dark.

But it was so strong that I would have pulled that window out by its frame, if need be, to get to that table.
There was no need, for the flimsy clasp gave at the first pull, and the sashes swung open.

I scrambled in, after listening for steps on the stairs.