Even if I could succeed, the noise would arouse the hotel.

People would come.

Other policemen would rush in to the help of their comrades, and matters would be worse with us than before.
The Frenchman, having looked at Maxine, and seen that tell-tale beating of her bodice, deliberately laid the silk cushions on the floor.

Then, pushing his hand down between the seat and the back of the sofa, he moved it along the crevice inch by inch.
I watched the hand, which looked cruel to me as that of an executioner.
I think Maxine watched it, too.

Suddenly it stopped.