Taking the lantern he climbed the steps and peered out at the ancient doorway.

He saw lights below, and he could discern dimly the shapes of tents.
Disappointed, he returned to his place on the steps, and, after another long wait, fell asleep again.

When he awoke he calculated by the amount of oil left in the lamp that at least twelve hours had passed since his previous awakening.
Once more he made a great effort of the will in order to achieve a conquest over curiosity and impatience.

He would not return to the entrance until the oil had only an hour more to burn.

Necessity had proved so stern a master that he was able to keep his resolution.