He is doubtless asleep.

I will give two little knocks on the panel, I will awake him, and we will explain matters before he can move.
I feel as I go.

My hand touches the case; I place my ear against the panel and I listen.
There is not a stir, not a breath! Is my man not here?
Has he got away?
Has he slipped out at one of the stations without my seeing him?
Has my news gone with him?
Really, I am most uneasy; I listen attentively.
No! He has not gone.

He is in the case.

I hear distinctly his regular and prolonged respiration.