He would have to trust to that weapon entirely for defense; he could not carry both the rifle and the girl.
Moving slowly, cautiously, fearful lest some creaking of the old stage might betray his motions to those keen ears below, he backed through the open door.

Once feeling the ground firm beneath his feet, and making sure that both canteen and haversack were secure, he reached back into the darkness, grasping the form of the unconscious girl.

He stood erect with her held securely in his arms, strands of hair blowing against his cheek, listening intently, striving with keen eyes to penetrate the black curtain.

The wind was fortunate, blowing steadily across the flat from the river, and they were surely invisible against the background of the overhanging bluff.

He did not even feel it necessary to crouch low to avoid discovery.