At this moment my attention was attracted by the opening of another door near me.

I looked, and perceived a man issuing forth from a house at a small distance.
It now occurred to me, that the information which I sought might possibly be gained from one of Thetford's neighbours.

This person was aged, but seemed to have lost neither cheerfulness nor vigour.

He had an air of intrepidity and calmness.

It soon appeared that I was the object of his curiosity.