He circled the veranda, found the blinds open, and peered into the long lounging-room, where a few embers smoldered in the broad fireplace, and an oil lamp shed a faint light.

One man they held captive; the other was not in sight; Chauvenet's courage rose at the prospect of easy victory.
He tried the door, found it unfastened, and with his revolver ready in his hand, threw it open.

Then he walked slowly toward the table, turned the wick of the lamp high, and surveyed the room carefully.

The doors of the rooms that opened from the apartment stood ajar; he followed the wall cautiously, kicked them open, peered into the room where Armitage's things were scattered about, and found his iron bed empty.

Then he walked quickly to the veranda and summoned the others.
"Bring him in!" he said, without taking his eyes from the room.
A moment later Zmai had lifted the silent rider to the veranda, and flung him across the threshold.