I closed my eyes again, but a ceaseless train of thought kept me wide awake, and, finally, I got upon my feet and looked out into the dawn, determining to explore our strange surroundings before any others were astir.

With loaded revolver in my pocket, I slipped into the hall.

The faint light revealed its shabbiness, the grimy rag carpet, and discolored walls.

Some spirit of adventure led me the full length until my hand was upon the latch of that last door.
I could not resist an impulse to look upon the dead man again by daylight, and thus assure myself of the reality of what seemed only a dream.

I opened the door slowly, noiselessly, and peered cautiously within.