He advanced noiselessly, almost invisible in his black garment.
The two accomplices were soon at the front-door steps of the house.
"Open," commanded the master.
Jules slipped a key into the lock: noiselessly the door turned on its hinges.
"Listen," whispered the cloaked man. "Half-way up the stairs, you must stop: I do not wish you to go right up...."
"But..."
"Do as I say! You must keep watch.... If, by chance, you should hear a noise, if I were to be taken by surprise, you must go downstairs, making a great noise and shouting at the top of your voice: 'Stop him!... Stop him!...' Thus, in the first moment of confusion, everyone will rush after you, and that will give me time to choose my way of escape."
Jules, whatever his fears, did not dare to question his instructions.
"Very good, master," he breathed. "I'll do as you say."
"I should think you would," scoffed his master, almost inaudibly.