He had inhabited this house; and whether he remained in it was now to be known.

I felt repugnance to enter, since my safety might, by entering, be unawares and uselessly endangered.

Most of the neighbouring houses were apparently deserted.

In some there were various tokens of people being within.

Might I not inquire, at one of these, respecting the condition of Thetford's family?
Yet why should I disturb them by inquiries so impertinent at this unseasonable hour?
To knock at Thetford's door, and put my questions to him who should obey the signal, was the obvious method.
I knocked dubiously and lightly.