Indeed the place was scrupulously clean, as though unused for some time.
West made his way to the port, pushed aside the curtain with his shoulders and looked out.

The smallness of the opening made any hope of escape in that way impossible; nor could he expect to attract the attention of any one ashore.

His view was limited to the east and north, a wide expanse of blue water, the only thing in sight being the pleasure boat bound for Lincoln Park, already little more than a black dot in the distance.

Convinced of his complete helplessness, he sat down on the stool to consider the situation.
He had been a fool; there was no doubt as to that; the only thing now was how he could best retrieve his folly.

He had walked blindly into a trap, suspecting nothing, confidently relying on his own smartness, believing himself unknown.