Uncertain what best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the knob.

This was the only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the window which was in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn.

Whether Peter had retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I opened the door silently a bare inch to make sure.

At the same instant my ears caught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had glimpse of Swanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room nearly opposite.
"That will do, Peter, for the present.

Have the table prepared for three guests at once." He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, and disappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously.