Stand outside and talk." "That's sensible," he said.
The three mounted the last step, and stood just outside the door.

I laid my ear to the chink.

I could hear no words, but Detchard's head was close to that of the taller of his companions (De Gautet, I guessed).
"H'm! Private communications," thought I.Then I said aloud: "Well, gentlemen, what's the offer ?" "A safe-conduct to the frontier, and fifty thousand pounds English." "No, no," whispered Antoinette in the lowest of whispers.

"They are treacherous." "That seems handsome," said I, reconnoitring through the chink.

They were all close together, just outside the door now.
I had probed the hearts of the ruffians, and I did not need Antoinette's warning.