There seemed to be no one about the house.

He went down the wide staircase without making any sound; in the hall he stopped for a moment because he heard voices, but no one came.

Then with both hands, and standing on tiptoe, he turned the lock of the door, and was outside.
The Square was bathed in golden sun, a sun, the stronger for his concealment, but tempered, too, with the fine gleam that the rain had left.

Never before had Bim been outside that door alone; he was aware that this was a very tremendous adventure.

The sky was a washed and delicate purple, and behold! on the high railings, a row of sparrows were chattering.