But one deep gash of breath revived me, and I was up, gun in hand, running for the outlet into the court.

Thumping footsteps turned me back.

While there was a chance to get away I did not want to meet odds in a fight.

I thought I heard some one running into the patio from the other end.

I stole along, and coming to a door, without any idea of where it might lead, I softly pushed it open a little way and slipped in..