He snatched from Gentilis' feeble hands a long pistol, part of the spoils of the staircase; and, staying only to assure himself that a portion of the priming still lay in the pan, he hurried after his leader.
By this time Claude was within four stairs of the guard-room.

The low door that admitted to it stood open; and towards it a man, hearing the hasty tread of feet, had that moment turned a startled face.

There was no room for anything but audacity, and Claude did not flinch.

In two bounds, he hurled himself through the door on to the man, missed him with his pike--but was himself missed.

In a flash the two were rolling together on the floor.
In their fall they brought down a third man, who, swearing horribly, made repeated stabs at Claude with a dagger.