But the dinginess was naught to the two who knelt looking into it, afraid to move.

Was the place empty?
That was the point; the question which had first stayed, and then set their pulses at the gallop.
Painfully their eyes searched each huddle of clothing, scanned each dubious shape.

And slowly, as the silence persisted, their heads came forward until the whole floor lay within the field of sight.

And still no sound! At last Tignonville stirred, crept through the doorway, and rose up, peering round him.

He nodded, and, satisfied that all was safe, the minister followed him.
They found themselves a pace or so from the head of a narrow staircase, leading downwards.