But nevertheless it needed all his courage to enable Sholto to perform the task which had been laid upon him.

As he dragged one foot after the other up the turret stairs, it seemed as if a leaden clog had been attached to each pointed shoe.
He had also a vague sense of being watched by presences invisible to him, but malign in their nature.

Again and again he caught himself listening for footsteps which seemed to dog his own.

He heard mysterious whisperings that flouted his utmost vigilance, and mocking laughter that lurked in unseen crevices and broke out so soon as he had passed.
Sholto set his hand firmly upon his sword handle and bit his lips, lest even to himself he should own his uneasiness.

It was not seemly that the captain of the Douglas guard should be frightened by shadows.
Passing the corridor which led towards the sleeping rooms of the maid and her companion, he ascended to the roof of the castle, thrusting aside the turret door and issuing upon the wide, open spaces with an assured step.