I thought he must be there, and I slipped behind the bureau, taking the pistol from my pocket.

Presently I heard a footstep.
I peeped out and saw the big white-faced man." "Milburgh!" said Tarling.
"So he is called," replied the Chinaman.

"He sat at the young man's desk.
I knew it was the young man's desk, because there were many pictures upon it and flowers, such as he would have.

The big man had his back to me." "What was he doing ?" asked Tarling.
"He was searching the desk, looking for something.

Presently I saw him take from one of the drawers, which he opened, an envelope.