It seemed as if a century passed as they continued to sit there silently in the darkness.
Then there was a slight creaking sound at the other end of the room.
Erlina knew that somebody was coming in through the door and that it was Oliver Mell.
As he did so, Hignet began to snore loudly.
It was the sort of snore that a drunken man might give and, Erlina felt, very convincing.
She could not see him, but she was aware that Oliver Mell was walking slowly, as if he was not sure of his way, down the centre of the room.
He reached the window that was just beside them and with a single movement with both of his hands, pulled back the curtains.
He then unfastened the casement, pushing it wide open.
Watching from the corner where they were hiding, Erlina could hardly breathe.
If he turned
