I heard no footsteps,--not even a man's breathing.

Suddenly there was the click of the electric light, and although I still heard nothing, I felt that some one had approached a little way towards the bed.

I dared not open my eyes, but in a restless movement, which I felt I might safely make, I raised my hand to shield me, and caught a momentary glimpse of the person who was standing between me and the door.

As I expected, it was Louis! He held the soda-water syphon in his hand, as though measuring its contents.

I believe that he afterwards came and stood over me.