Drawing his hat over his eyes, he passed behind it, and having ascertained that the occupants, if there had been any, had already entered the house, he himself went in.

The narrow staircase was dimly lighted by small oil-lamps.

Temistocle ascended the steps on tiptoe, for he could already hear the men ringing the bell, and talking together in a low voice.

The Neapolitan crept nearer.

Again and again the bell was rung, and the men began to grow impatient.
"He has escaped," said one angrily.
"Perhaps--or he has gone out to dinner--much more likely." "We had better go away and come later," suggested the first.
"He is sure to come home.