We were only doing our duty in taking this chance of putting him back where he could do no harm.

With his brutal and violent nature, others would have to pay the price if we held our hands.

Any night, for example, our neighbours the Stapletons might be attacked by him, and it may have been the thought of this which made Sir Henry so keen upon the adventure.
"I will come," said I.
"Then get your revolver and put on your boots.

The sooner we start the better, as the fellow may put out his light and be off." In five minutes we were outside the door, starting upon our expedition.
We hurried through the dark shrubbery, amid the dull moaning of the autumn wind and the rustle of the falling leaves.

The night air was heavy with the smell of damp and decay.