What it was that was with me I could not tell; I could not even
guess. It was as though something in my mental organisation had
been stricken by a sudden paralysis. It may seem childish to use
such language; but I was overwrought, played out; physically
speaking, at my last counter; and, in an instant, without the
slightest warning, I was conscious of a very curious sensation,
the like of which I had never felt before, and the like of which I
pray that I never may feel again,--a sensation of panic fear. I
remained rooted to the spot on which I stood, not daring to move,
fearing to draw my breath. I felt that the presence will me in the
room was something strange, something evil.

I do not know how long I stood there, spell-bound, but certainly
for some considerable space of time. By degrees, as nothing moved,
nothing was seen, nothing was heard, and nothing happened, I made
an effort to better play the man. I knew that, at the moment, I
played the cur. And endeavoured to ask myself of what it was I was
afraid. I was shivering at my own imaginings. What could be in the
room, to have suffered me to open the window and to enter
unopposed? Whatever it was, was surely to the full as great a
coward as I was, or why permit, unchecked, my burglarious entry.
Since I had been allowed to enter, the probability was that I
should be at liberty to retreat,--and I was sensible of a much
keener desire to retreat than I had ever had to enter.

I had to put the greatest amount of pressure upon myself before I
could summon up sufficient courage to enable me to even turn my
head upon my shoulders,--and the moment I did so I turned it back
again. What constrained me, to save my soul I could not have
said,--but I was constrained. My heart was palpitating in my