He was fully three minutes fumbling with the bolts, which were already drawn.

At last he opened the door an inch or two, and looked out.
On the instant the door was dashed open, flinging him back against the wall; and Bonavent and Dieusy rushed past him, up the stairs, as hard as they could pelt.

A brown-faced, nervous, active policeman followed them in and stopped to guard the door.
On the landing the detectives paused, and looked at one another, hesitating.
"Which way did he go ?" said Bonavent.

"We were on his very heels." "I don't know; but we've jolly well stopped his getting into his own house; and that's the main thing," said Dieusy triumphantly.
"But are you sure it was him ?" said Bonavent, stepping into the anteroom.
"I can swear to it," said Dieusy confidently; and he followed him.
Charolais came rushing up the stairs and caught them up as they were entering the smoking-room: "Here! What's all this ?" he cried.

"You mustn't come in here! His Grace isn't awake yet." "Awake?
Awake?
Your precious Duke has been galloping all night," cried Dieusy.