But it was empty, and returning to the edge of the town, they scouted cautiously all the way around it, finding no sign of either a friend or an enemy.
"We alone hold Chastel," said John, "and I think we'd better go back to the Hotel de l'Europe.

I've been away a full two hours and Mademoiselle Lannes may be worried about my long absence, not about me personally, but because of what it might possibly signify." "That's our obvious course," said Weber, "and as I've registered I'll sleep at the hotel also." "You'll certainly be welcome," said John, as he led the way back to the Hotel de l'Europe.

But as they were on the far side of the town, and the snow had grown deeper, it took them another half-hour to reach the building.
They stood just inside the door, brushing off the snow and shaking themselves.

John glanced toward the door of the smoking-room but it was dark there.

He was somewhat surprised.