Ostara Publishing

“He paused at the half-way level where there was a turn in the stairs, a wise move as it turned out a moment later. As he stood thus, wondering whether to advance or retreat, he was startled by a loud and sudden bang, as of a gun being fired from the top of the stairs. The next moment there was a wild rush of footsteps and about ten young men tumbled downstairs in the greatest haste and disorder. Trevor was almost swept off his feet by the rush, but managed to flatten himself against the angle of the wall, leaving a gangway for the runners, who tore past without seeming to notice him. In the confused moment of their passing he noticed they were mostly members of the fifteen, including Davies, the scrum-half. If, as he could hardly believe, somebody up above was indulging in a little shooting practice, it seemed prudent to Trevor in some measure to follow their example. He turned and hurried, though with less precipitation, to the court doorway whence he took a couple of uncertain steps out on to the gravel. Looking up towards the floor above he could see some wisps of smoke dispersing in the moonlight.”