It signified that the Jap was pegging away at his endless studies and that only the banging of the gong would rouse him.

The way was as broad and clear as a street at dawn.

Not that Kuroki mattered; only so long as he did not know, so much the better.
With careful step Hawksley manoeuvred his retreat so that it brought him to Cutty's bedroom door.

The door was unlocked.

He entered the room.
What a lark! They would hide his own clothes; so much the worse for the old beggar's wardrobe.