People came and stood at a distance in the passage, and eyed me curiously.

But they knew I belonged to the party of foreigners, and doubtless they supposed it was the custom of my country to guard doors in that way.
An hour passed, and I heard Hedwig stirring in the room.

After a time she came close to the door and put her hand on the lock, so that it began to rattle, but she hesitated, and went away again.

I once more heard her moving about.

Then I heard her open the window, and at last she came boldly and opened the door, which turned inward.