Chapter IV · Chapter 4

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

past form of “arrest” — take into custody

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

a wide street or thoroughfare

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "There's no number," he called out.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

plural of “champ” — someone who has won first place in a competition

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

travel across or pass over

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

the operator of a motor vehicle

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

divisible by two

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

an erroneous mental representation

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

for the most time

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

engage in

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

not any; not one

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading "There's no number," he called out.

past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "There's no number," he called out.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

in the near future

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

precisely, exactly

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

not in physical motion

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He knew that this was a long, ill-lighted street, one of the longest streets in Paris.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "There's no number," he called out.

a special situation

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He had told the driver to cross the bridge and go down the Boulevard St. Germain, but now he changed the order and, half opening the door, he bade the man turn to the right and drive on to the Rue de Vaugirard.

extremely wicked

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

at the time that

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

during the time that

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "IN THE NAME OF THE LAW" When Kittredge, with cloak and bag, stepped into his waiting cab and, for the second time on this villainous night, started down the Champs Elysées he was under no illusion as to his personal safety.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He knew that he would be followed and presently arrested, he knew this without even glancing behind him, he had understood the whispers and searching looks in the hotel; it was _certain_ that his moments of liberty were numbered, so he must make a clean job of this thing that had to be done while still there was time.