He could hear it scratching lightly for a minute and then the bolt slid.

The boy rose and the man stepped back by his side.
"Draw your pistol and have it ready," he said, "and I'll do as much with the old musket.

We don't know what's on the other side of the door but whatever it is we've got to meet it.

Thrice armed is he who hath his weapon leveled." Ned needed no urging.

He drew the pistol and held it ready for instant use.