He stood a moment helpless, then pulled himself together and tried to think.

What should he do?
What could he do?
What was required of him?
Was anything required of him?
Had he any right to do anything?
Could anything be done that would not both be and cause a wrong?
His first impulse was to follow: a man in such a condition was surely not to be left to go whither he would among the heights and depths of the castle, where he might break his neck any moment! Interference no doubt was dangerous, but he would follow him at least a little way! He heard the steps going down the stair, and made haste after them.

But ere they could have reached the bottom, the sound of them ceased; and Donal knew the earl must have left the stair at a point from which he could not follow him..