But fear lent us wings, and suddenly before us was a blaze of light and we saw the debouchment of our street in a main thoroughfare.

The others saw it, too, for they slackened off.

Just before we reached the light we stopped and looked round.

There was no sound or sight behind us in the dark lane which dipped to the harbour.
'This is a queer country, Cornelis,' said Peter, feeling his limbs for bruises.

'Too many things happen in too short a time.