"Come on," he snarled.

Against the gay pattern, his handsome pirate face shone brown and evil in the lamplight.

"Damn you, I've waited long enough for your whims.

Stay there and be killed, then." He ran to the stairs, and down.

The woman's arms began to drag loosely, as if she were slipping to the floor; then suddenly, with a cry, she turned and bolted.