The rain was beating against the window near him.

Out there was blackness, the river, the big world.

His blood leaped with the old fighting fire.

They were going tonight; they must be going tonight! Why should they wait?
Why should they waste time under Kedsty's roof when freedom lay out there for the taking?
He watched the swift movements of her hand, listened to the silken rustle of the brush as it smoothed out her long hair.

Bewilderment, reason, desire for action fought inside him.
Suddenly she faced him again.