I saw the figures of two men, one following the other toward the front door; this the first and taller unfastened and noiselessly opened; and he and his fellow, whom, by the added light which entered, I perceived to be carrying a box or case of moderate size, waited for a moment on the threshold.

Then they passed out, drawing the door close after them.
Still the duke held me back, and we rested where we were three or four minutes.

Then he whispered, "Come," and we stole across the hall after them and found ourselves outside.

It must have been about half-past two o'clock in the morning; there was no moon and it was rather dark.

The duke turned sharp to the left and led me to the bypath, and there, a couple of hundred yards ahead of us, we saw a cube of light that came from a dark lantern.
The duke's face was dimly visible, and an amused smile played on his lips as he said softly: "Lafleur and Pierre! They think they've got the necklace!" Was this the meaning of Pierre's appearance in the role of my successor?
The idea suggested itself to me in a moment, and I strove to read my companion's face for a confirmation.
"We'll see where they go," he whispered, and then laid his finger on his lips.