So as one might as well die in one way as another, I thought I would climb to the well's mouth and see if there were any chance of safety for these two monks.

Yet I had no thought of aught but dying with them, if need were, though as for myself I had but to walk across the courtyard and go away.

The Danes would but think I lingered yet for the sake of plunder.
"If we may not stand this smoke, neither can the Danes," I said.

"I am going to see." So I set down my axe and sword and leapt sailor-wise at the rope--which the men had dropped again when they had taken the helm from the bucket--catching it easily and swarming up to the trapdoor.

I only raised myself to the height of my eyes and looked out.
I could see nothing.