After fumbling about for a bit he tried a second, and then a third.

All at once the door opened under a slight push from him, and he and the two others entered the hall.

We sat still.

My own cigar burnt furiously, but Van Helsing's went cold altogether.

We waited patiently as we saw the workman come out and bring his bag.
Then he held the door partly open, steadying it with his knees, whilst he fitted a key to the lock.