A neighboring clock struck the half-hour, but this gave him no clue as to the time.

He had almost made up his mind to leave, when he heard the sound of a quick step coming down the street.

It was the light, quick step of a sportsman,--of a man more accustomed to the woods and fields than the pavement and asphalt of Paris.

Then a shadow fell upon the opposite wall, and almost immediately disappeared.

Then Norbert knew that the door had opened and closed, and that the man had entered the garden.