I dared not.
The daylight grew minute by minute on the dull oblong of the blind, and minute by minute that horrible thing on the bed took something of distinctness.
The strain beat me at last.

I fetched a loud yell to give myself courage, and, reaching for the cord, pulled up the blind as fast as it would go.
The face on the pillow was that of an old man--a face waxen and peaceful, with quiet lines about the mouth and eyes, and long lines of grey hair falling back from the temples.

The body was turned a little on one side, and one hand lay outside the bedclothes in a very natural manner.

But there were two big dark stains on the pillow and coverlet.
Then I knew I was face to face with the real householder, and it flashed on me that I had been indiscreet in taking service as his butler, and that I knew the face his ex-butler wore.
And, being by this time awake to the responsibilities of the post, I quitted it three steps at a time, not once looking behind me.
Outside the house the storm had died down, and white daylight was gleaming over the sodden moors.

But my bones were cold, and I ran faster and faster.
THE DISENCHANTMENT OF 'LIZABETH.
"So you reckon I've got to die ?" The room was mean, but not without distinction.