He could hear only a hubbub of talk,--random phrases without meaning.

The legs moved away, and left a clear space.
But at the same instant, a grating noise startled him, directly overhead, out of doors.

The thin right angle of light spread instantly into a brilliant square.

With a bang, a wooden shutter slid open.
Heywood lay back swiftly, just as a long, fat bamboo pipe, two sleeves, and the head of a man in a red silk cap were thrust out into the night air.
"_Ai-yah!"_ sighed the man, and puffed at his bamboo.

"It is hot." Heywood tried to blot himself against the wall.