Cautiously the men disembarked and crept up the bank.

First came Lemerre, then Hanaud; Ricardo followed him, and the fourth man, who had struck the match under the trees, brought up the rear.

The other three officers remained in the boat.
Stooping under the shadow of the side wall of the garden, the invaders stole towards the house.

When a bush rustled or a tree whispered in the light wind, Ricardo's heart jumped to his throat.

Once Lemerre stopped, as though his ears heard a sound which warned him of danger.