I was as safe as if in a fortress, and Carette was speeding to rouse the neighbours, and all was well.
I had no weapon, it is true, and if they had the sense and the courage to come in a body along the narrow way, things might go ill with me.

The first comer, and the second, I could dispose of, but if the others came close behind they could end me, as I fought.

But I did not believe they would have the courage, even though they saw it was the only possible chance.

For that knife-edge of a path--two hundred yards in length and but two feet wide in places, with the sea breaking on the rocks three hundred feet below on each side--set unaccustomed heads swimming, and put tremors into legs that were steady even at sea.
My sudden disappearance had puzzled them.

They were discussing the matter with heat, and I could hear young Torode's voice above the rest urging them forward and girding at their lack of courage.