There was the sound of flowing water beneath his feet.

This could always be heard in his room, but now how loud it was! Realising that the trap-door must be open, he listened for a second and was instantly conscious of some one in the room.

He made a step towards the door, but it suddenly closed softly.

He moved swiftly to the window, for the presence was near the door.
What did it mean?
Who was it?
Was there one, or more?
Was murder intended?
The silence, the weirdness, stopped his tongue--besides, what was the good of crying out?
Whatever was to happen would happen at once.
He struck a light, and held it up.

As he did so some one or something rushed at him.