Even this effort, however, helped the man to recover somewhat the use of his numbed limbs, while his breathing became much easier.

The two crept up the stairs cautiously, and surveyed the cluttered up yard as best they might in the dim light of the distant street lamp.

It appeared entirely deserted, nor was there any evidence that the building above was occupied.

No doubt lights were burning within, but if so the shades must have been drawn closely, allowing no reflection to escape.

No better opportunity for evading notice could be hoped for, and West, alert now to every chance, made instant decision.
"They are all inside.