He must have heard us breaking open your door." "I beg your pardon.

Heard what ?" "We committed some minor offenses with regard to your property during your absence," said Steingall, "but they were of slight account as compared with your own extravagances.

Let me warn you not to say too much before de Courtois.

Even taking your version of events, Mr.
Curtis, Lord Valletort will probably raise a wasps' nest about your ears in the morning." "But why _break open_ the door?
Surely, there was a pass key----" "Sh-s-sh! Here we are!" Steingall tapped lightly on a panel of 505, and the four listened silently for any response.

None came--that is, there was nothing which could be recognized as the sound of a voice or of human movement inside the room.