Meanwhile my poor wife waited also, a prey to every fear that a woman's sensitive mind can imagine and feed upon.
Rudolf turned his head this way and that, seeking always the darker blot of shadow that would mean a human being.

For a while his search was vain, but presently he found what he looked for--ay, and even more.

On the same side of the street, to his left hand, from the direction of the station, not one, but three blurred shapes moved up the street.
They came stealthily, yet quickly; with caution, but without pause or hesitation.

Rudolf, scenting danger, flattened himself close against the wall and felt for his revolver.

Very likely they were only early workers or late revelers, but he was ready for something else; he had not yet sighted Bauer, and action was to be looked for from the man.