As it was, however, thanks to Benjamin's knowledge of the place, not a creature observed their quiet approach through the orchard and along a tangled garden path.
This path brought them to a door, which stood wide open in this sultry weather, in order to let a free current of air pass through the house, and they inhaled more strongly still the aromatic perfumes, which were not yet strong enough entirely to overcome that other noisome odour which was one of the most fatal means of spreading infection from plague-stricken patients.
"We can get into the great kitchen by this door," whispered Benjamin.

"I trow they will use it for the sick; it is the biggest room in all the house.

Yonder is the door.

Shall I open it ?" Joseph gave a sign of assent, but bid his brother not speak needlessly, and keep his handkerchief to his mouth and nose.

They had both steeped their handkerchiefs in vinegar, and could inhale nothing save that pungent scent.
Burning with curiosity, yet half afraid of their own temerity, the boys stole through a half-open door into a great room lined with beds.