On the instant a knot of men started out of the line of houses, and came quickly across the strip of light towards us.
The position seemed serious.

If I could have run indeed--but I glanced round, and found escape in that fashion impossible.

There were men crouching on the steps behind me, between me and the river.

I had fallen into a trap.

Indeed, there was nothing for it now but to do as Madame had bidden me, and play the man boldly.