He also let fall the heavy damask curtains, so that the windows were obliterated from the room.

He stood in the centre of the room and looked to every corner where, by any chance, a person might be concealed.
Then, moving upon tip-toe, he drew a key from his pocket and fitted it into the lid of a secretary.

As he turned it in the lock the snap of the bolt made him start.

He was haggard, even ghastly, as he stood, letting the lid back slowly, lest it should creak or jar.

With another key he opened a little drawer, and involuntarily looking behind him as he did so, he took out a small piece of paper, which he concealed in his hand.
Seating himself at the secretary, he put the candle before him, and remained for a moment with his face slightly strained forward with a startling intentness of listening.