If the writ is directed to any ministerial officer of the court out of which it issues, it shall be delivered by the clerk to such officer without delay, as other writs are delivered for service. If it is directed to any other person it shall be delivered to such officer and be by him served upon such person by delivering the same to him without delay. If the person to whom the writ is directed cannot be found, or refuses admittance to the officer or person serving or delivering such writ it may be served or delivered by leaving it at the residence of the person to whom it is directed, or by affixing it to some conspicuous place on the outside either of his dwelling house or of the place where the party is confined or under restraint.