The Captain heard him say to Gaydon that his (the doctor's) presence was not likely to be required any more that night, and that there was nothing to be done beyond following the instructions he had given.
The doctor then walked towards the door, which, it will be remembered, was close to the window in front of which Spade and his men were standing.

If they remained where they were they could not fail to be seen, not only by the doctor, but by the warder, who was accompanying him to the door.
Before they made their appearance, however, the sailors, at a sign from their chief, had dispersed and hidden themselves behind the bushes, while Spade himself crouched in the shadow beneath the window.
Luckily Gaydon had not brought the lamp with him, so that the captain was in no danger of being seen.
As he was about to take leave of Gaydon, the doctor stopped on the step and remarked: "This is one of the worst attacks our patient has had.

One or two more like that and he will lose the little reason he still possesses." "Just so," said Gaydon.

"I wonder that the director doesn't prohibit all visitors from entering the pavilion.

Roch owes his present attack to a Count d'Artigas, for whose amusement harmful questions were put to him." "I will call the director's attention to the matter," responded the doctor.
He then descended the steps and Gaydon, leaving the door of the pavilion ajar, accompanied him to the end of the path.
When they had gone Captain Spade stood up, and his men rejoined him.
Had they not better profit by the chance thus unexpectedly afforded them to enter the room and secure Roch, who was in a semi-comatose condition, and then await Gaydon's return, and seize the warder as he entered?
This would have involved considerable risk.