Far off there, beyond the reach of vision, unlocalised, strange, a ripple had formed on the still black pool of the night, had formed, flashed one instant to the stars, then swiftly faded again.

The night shut down once more.

There was no sound--nothing stirred.
For the moment, Vanamee stood transfixed, struck rigid in his place, stupefied, his eyes staring, breathless with utter amazement.

Then, step by step, he shrank back into the deeper shadow, treading with the infinite precaution of a prowling leopard.

A qualm of something very much like fear seized upon him.