He tried the door--it was barred.

He stepped to the window.

If there was a light within it would show through the cracks and holes in the shade, for the latter was old and well worn.
But no light appeared.

If there was anyone inside they must have heard him in spite of his carefulness, and had put out the light.

He cursed.
He could not watch both the back and the front door, but he could watch the outside of the house, could go a little distance away from it and thus see anybody who would leave it.
He walked away toward the timber clump, looking around him.