Yes people should speak up and act in times of in justice because many don't. Lawyers get a bad image just because of movie most people in that profession are there to spread justice.
Answer: The answer that says "He retreats with haste"
I think irving did a great job in creating suspense for that story.
I remember clearly the part when the character felt an eerie gazed in his bedroom and keep hearing unrecognized moan. That part is well written and will send chills to most of its reader's spine