He heard them stumbling and reeling up the steep stairs.

He heard, "Here, gimme that whip," and knew he was in peril, maybe of his life, for they were whiskey-mad.

He rose quickly, locked the door, rolled up an old rag carpet, and put it in his bed.

Then he gathered his clothes on his arm, opened the window, and lowered himself till his head only was above the sill, and his foot found a resting place.

Thus he awaited.