I said we were all good friends and offered to stand drinks for the party.

But the Fusilier's blood was up and he was spoiling for a row, ably abetted by his comrades.

He had his tunic off now and was stamping in front of me with doubled fists.
I did the best thing I could think of in the circumstances.

My seat was close to the steps which led to the other part of the inn.

I grabbed my hat, darted up them, and before they realized what I was doing had bolted the door behind me.