Next instant I spotted a boot under the window curtain, and then I saw why plain enough.
"I'd just the one candle that was in my hand; but there was a good light from the hall lamp through the open door.

I put down the candle and jumped for a hammer that I'd left on the mantel.

At the same moment he sprang at me.

I saw the glint of a knife, and I lashed at him with the hammer.

I got him somewhere; for the knife tinkled down on the floor.