`You won't want both here, and I may want one.' "Tom handed me his.
"`Now keep a look-out here, and when you hear me whistle over the wall, come sharp, mind!' "So saying, I left them, and went on towards the house.
"Except in my father's room no lights were burning, and I began to hope that what the letter had said about the steward might after all prove to be false.

I went quietly up to the back door and turned the handle.

It was open.

The story was true, then, and in my rage and indignation I could hardly contain myself to act my part any longer.

However, I made a desperate effort.
"Holding the door slightly open I whistled softly.