She had measured no chances.

She had simply come--BECAUSE SHE BELIEVED IN HIM.

And now, upstairs, she was the victim of the terrible price that was the first cost of his freedom.

For he believed, now that the thought came to him like a dagger stroke, that this was so.

Her act in freeing him had brought about the final climax, and as a result of it, Kedsty was dead.
He went to the foot of the stair.