He can't be very long, now.

It is already ten o'clock.

Our success and even his life may depend upon his coming out before the fog is over the path." The night was clear and fine above us.

The stars shone cold and bright, while a half-moon bathed the whole scene in a soft, uncertain light.

Before us lay the dark bulk of the house, its serrated roof and bristling chimneys hard outlined against the silver-spangled sky.