"I'd rather have relied on the local watchmen, of course.

But their absence needn't bother us, overmuch." "What do you mean ?" Before Gavin could answer, a stifled cry from the hallway above brought both men to attention.

It was followed by a sound of lightly running feet.

And Claire Standish appeared at the stair-top.

She was deathly pale, and her dark eyes were dilated with terror.
Gavin ran up the steps to meet her.