There WAS something--a shadow upon them, a menace.

It was a shadow that seemed to be born of our own world--some threatening spirit of earth hovering over them.
"I cannot remember; it eludes me.

Yet it is because I remember but a little of it that I say those drums may not be--taps--for us." As though his words had been a cue, the sounds again burst forth--no longer muffled nor faint.

They roared; they seemed to pelt through air and drop upon us; they beat about our ears with thunderous tattoo like covered caverns drummed upon by Titans with trunks of great trees.
The drumming did not die; it grew louder, more vehement; defiant and deafening.

Within the Thing under us a mighty pulse began to throb, accelerating rapidly to the rhythm of that clamorous roll.
I saw Norhala draw herself up, sharply; stand listening and alert.