It was a commonplace that he could be of more service to Julie alive than dead, and the man's insistence deciding him, he crept with the Alsatian into the hall.

They stood a few minutes in the dark, listening, but no sound came.

Evidently the house slept well.
"This way, Mr.Scott," whispered Weber, and he led toward the rear of the house.

Turning the corner of the hall he opened a small door in the wall, which John would have passed even in the daylight without noticing.
"Put a hand on my coat and follow me," said Weber.
John obeyed without hesitation, and they ascended a half dozen steps along a passage so narrow that his shoulders touched the walls.

It was very dark there, but at the top they entered a room into which some moonlight came, enough for John to see barrels, boxes and bags heaped on the floor.
"A storeroom," said Weber.