A narrow, paved sidewalk ran between it and the house on its right, and all the windows opening on this small court were dark.

Moreover, the house which was his quarry was set back several feet from the street, an indentation which would completely hide him from anyone who looked from the street.

Ronicky made up his mind at once.

He went to the end of the block, crossed over and, turning back on the far side of the street, slipped into the opening between the houses.
Instantly he was in a dense darkness.

For five stories above him the two buildings towered, shutting out the starlight.