He roused himself, and uncertain how long he had lingered he took up his cloak and bag and, turning, hastened across the street to the door at the head of the four steps.

He found it on the latch, and with a confident air, which belied his real feelings, he pushed it open and presented himself.
For a moment he fancied that the room held only one person.

This was a young man who sat at the table in the middle of the room and, surprised by the appearance of a stranger, suspended his spoon in the air that he might the better gaze at him.

But when Claude had set down his bag behind the door, and turned to salute the other, he discovered his error; and despite himself he paused in the act of advancing, unable to hide his concern.

At the table on the hearth, staring at him in silence, sat two other men.