They could not see me, for I was in shadow, and presently they too entered the close.
The thing looked ugly, and, while I had no love for the red-haired man, I did not wish to see murder or robbery committed and stand idly by.
The match of the afternoon had given me a fine notion of my prowess, though.

Had I reflected, my pistol was in its case at home, and I had no weapon but a hazel staff.

Happily in youth the blood is quicker than the brain, and without a thought I ran into the close and up the long stairway.
The chorus was still being sung ahead of me, and then it suddenly ceased.

In dead silence and in pitchy darkness I struggled up the stone steps, wondering what I should find at the next turning.

The place was black as night, the steps were uneven, and the stairs corkscrewed most wonderfully.