It became suddenly, unexpectedly, clear to him that Tapster was much taken with Miss Bubbles.

The man had hardly taken his eyes off her during the whole of dinner, and it had been a disagreeable, appraising look--as if he couldn't quite make up his mind what she was worth! He told himself, while remembering that look, that Tapster was the kind of man who is always hesitating, always absorbed in some woman, and yet always afraid to try his luck--in the hope that if he waits, he may do better next time! Miss Bubbles was a hundred times too good for such a fellow, however rich the fellow might be....
Gradually Panton felt himself slipping off into that pleasant condition which immediately precedes a dreamless, healthful sleep.
And then, all at once, his senses became keenly alert, for a curious sound became audible in the darkening room.

It was without doubt a sound created by some industrious mouse, or perhaps--though that idea was a less pleasant one--by a greedy rat.

Swish, swish--swish--just like the rustling of a lady's silk dress! Panton stretched out his right arm, and knocked the wall behind him sharply twice or thrice, and the sound stopped suddenly.

But after a few minutes, just as he was dropping off, it began again.