More than that he desisted from further questions though he was dying to ask where this key was kept at night, and whether it had been in its usual place on the evening of the murder.

He had gone far enough, he thought.

Another step and he might rouse this man's suspicion, if not his enmity.

But he did not leave the shadows into which he again receded until he had satisfied himself that the key went into the stable with the coachman, where it probably remained for this night, at least.
It was after ten when Sweetwater re-entered the house to say good night to Hexford.

He found him on watch in the upper hall, and the man, Clarke, below.