7
For several seconds we remained confronting one another across the narrow gulf.
Not a word was spoken. The flames continued to spread with astonishing rapidity through the conservatory, illuminating the surrounding rooftops with a fierce crimson glow,
while from time to time there came the sharp report of bursting glass as the intense heat shattered pane after pane beneath the iron framework.
Yet still the members of that singular society neither attempted the leap nor withdrew from the advancing fire. They stood with an almost statuesque composure, their eyes fixed steadily upon me.
I had no desire to witness whatever resolution they might ultimately adopt.
The dreadful necessity which had compelled me to hurl one man to his death had already shaken me profoundly, and I found no satisfaction in the extraordinary reversal which had placed my pursuers in so desperate a predicament.
Indeed, I could not altogether divest myself of the feeling that I had stumbled into some dark and incomprehensible drama whose true purpose still lay wholly beyond my understanding.
Turning away from them, I hastened across the neighbouring roof in the hope that it might afford some means of descending to the street.
For a short distance I discovered nothing beyond the usual wilderness of chimney stacks, ventilators, and water tanks which crown so many of the larger London buildings.
Then, near the centre of the roof, I perceived a substantial iron hatch lying almost flush with the leadwork.
Crossing to it, I grasped the ring set into its surface and pulled.
To my immense relief it yielded at once upon its hinges, revealing a narrow flight of iron steps descending into darkness below.
Before entering, I looked back one final time towards the blazing conservatory.
The flames had now gained such mastery that the whole magnificent structure appeared transformed into a vast lantern of fire. Through the smoke I could still distinguish the members of the society standing upon the narrow strip of roof, the crimson light playing upon their motionless figures.
"You have but one chance," I called across the intervening gulf. "If you would save yourselves, you must make the jump."
Whether any of them heard me I cannot say.
Not one replied. As I looked upon them, it occurred to me with sudden force that several of the older members of the company could scarcely hope to accomplish so formidable a leap.
After all that had passed between us, I found myself almost surprised to discover how deeply the reflection distressed me.
They continued to regard me in perfect silence, and I felt no inclination to prolong that terrible vigil. Lowering myself through the opening, I drew the hatch closed above my head and began the descent.
The staircase proved to be a plain service stair of iron, winding steeply down through the interior of the building.
As I descended, the roar of the conflagration grew steadily fainter above me, until at last it became little more than a distant murmur, mingled with the rapid beating of my own heart and the echo of my footsteps upon the metal treads.