He watched her as she turned from him and threw back the glory of her hair until it half hid her in a mass of copper and gold; from his distance he still gazed at her, choking and undecided, while she gathered it in three heavy strands and plaited it into a shining braid.
For an instant his eyes wandered.

Beyond her presence the room was empty.

He saw a door, and observed that it opened into another room, which in turn could be entered through the platform door behind him.
With his old exactness for detail he leaped to definite conclusion.
These were Meleese's apartments at the post, separated from all others--and Meleese was preparing to retire for the night.

If the outer door was not locked, and he entered, what danger could there be of interruption?
It was late.

The post was asleep.