I was in, he after me.

He slammed the door and set his back against it, just as the rush of feet flooded the highest flight of stairs.

And at the moment a revolver shot rang clear and loud.
The lieutenant and I stood still, he against the door, I a pace farther into the room.

The sight we saw was enough to arrest us with its strange interest.

The smoke of the shot was curling about, but neither man seemed wounded.