He walked to the veranda and listened until he was satisfied that they had gone; then went in and closed the door.

He picked up the cloak and sword and restored the insignia to the silver box.

The sword he examined with professional interest, running his hand over the embossed scabbard, then drawing the bright blade and trying its balance and weight.
As he held it thus, heavy steps sounded at the rear of the house, a door was flung open and Armitage sprang into the room with Oscar close at his heels..