Possible Clues:

• Smelt out the numbers over the editor
• Snooped, with 'about'
• Just got into the lead
• Moved slowly upwards, thus gaining access into shelter
• Witness briefly inspired by encouraging gesture proceeded carefully
• Final three avoiding sudden plunge moved slowly
• Mafia boss about to host opponents was inquisitive
• Word with "hard" or "snub"
• Searched (around)
• Barely beat, with ''out''