The wind was in the south--the coldest quarter.
I began to feel chilled and dispirited.

If my scheme failed, I had forfeited roof and bed to no purpose, and placed future progress out of the question.

It was a critical moment.
But at last that happened for which I had been looking.

The door swung open a few inches, and a man came noiselessly out; it was quickly barred behind him.

He stood a moment, waiting on the threshold and peering into the gloom; and seemed to expect to be attacked.