His strange stare must have affrighted the guardian of the gate, for the robed fellow stood away, and Priam passed within the grille, where were winding steps, which he mounted.

Up the steps ran coils of fire-hose.

He heard the click of the gate as the attendant shut it, and he was thankful for an escape.

The steps led to the organ-loft, perched on the top of the massive screen.

The organist was seated behind a half-drawn curtain, under shaded electric lights, and on the ample platform whose parapet overlooked the choir were two young men who whispered with the organist.
None of the three even glanced at Priam.