Pausing for a moment, Pierre noticed several other men of the same kind hiding in the shadow of the house on both sides.

But neither Anna Mikhaylovna nor the footman nor the coachman, who could not help seeing these people, took any notice of them.

"It seems to be all right," Pierre concluded, and followed Anna Mikhaylovna.

She hurriedly ascended the narrow dimly lit stone staircase, calling to Pierre, who was lagging behind, to follow.

Though he did not see why it was necessary for him to go to the count at all, still less why he had to go by the back stairs, yet judging by Anna Mikhaylovna's air of assurance and haste, Pierre concluded that it was all absolutely necessary.
Halfway up the stairs they were almost knocked over by some men who, carrying pails, came running downstairs, their boots clattering.