Within twenty seconds he could have Kedsty looking down the barrel of it.

The night was ideal for escape.

Within half an hour they would be on the river.

They could even load up with provisions from Kedsty's place.

He opened the door a little more, scarcely making an effort to combat the impulse that dragged him out.
Marette must be in danger, or she would not have confessed to him that she was in the house of a man who would like to see her dead.