The mat had been removed, the candle put out, the prying was at an end; in another moment the door would surely open.

Now Wogan, however anxious to discover who it was that spied, was yet more anxious that the spy should not discover that the spying was detected.

He himself knew, and so was armed; he did not wish to arm his enemies with a like knowledge.

There was no corner in the passage to conceal him; there was no other door behind which he could slip.

When the spy came out, Wogan would inevitably be discovered.
He made up his mind on the instant.