He knew that he must choose quickly whatever course he pursued.

Any instant Hobart might recover consciousness, and gain assistance by a rap on the door; indeed his confederates without might not wait for the signal.

The silence within, the length of time, might arouse suspicion.

The only chance lay in immediate action.

Standing on the chair West found the window had been securely nailed into place, but this had been done so long ago, it was quite possible for him to work the nails loose, yet it required all his strength to press up the warped sash sufficiently far to enable him to gain a view outside.