They were all huddled together anyhow, the Major evidently setting a far higher value on his cigars than on his shells.

I searched this lower compartment carefully for any object interesting to me which might be hidden in it.

Nothing was to be found in any part of it besides the shells.
As I opened the second cupboard it struck me that the light was beginning to fail.
I looked at the window: it was hardly evening yet.

The darkening of the light was produced by gathering clouds.

Rain-drops pattered against the glass; the autumn wind whistled mournfully in the corners of the courtyard.