through the grating. He wasted the next ball in firing wildly at the light. And the last chamber’s load became suddenly too precious for my person; for there were many voices overhead; there were many feet upon the stairs.
Harris came first - head-first - saw me still living as he reeled - hurled himself upon the boxes and one of these into the hole - all far quicker than my pen can write it. The manoeuvre, being the captain’s, explained itself: on his heels trod Rattray, with one who brought me to my feet like the call of silver trumpets.
else could or did; nay, the sudden noise upon the stairs, the knock at my door, and the sense that I had betrayed myself already even now all was over - these came as a relief after the haunting terror which they interrupted.
I flung the door opcn, and there stood Mrs. Braithwaite, as fully dressed as myself.