We heard steps approaching.

The men were running to the spot, and shouting as they did so-- 'Never mind; hold on a bit; here we are; all right;' and the like.
We drew back, as they came up.

We were in no condition to be seen.

We listened, however, at my open door.
Then came the straining and bumping at the door.

Mrs.Rusk's voice subsided to a sort of wailing; the men were talking all together, and I suppose the door opened, for I heard some of the voices, on a sudden, as if in the room; and then came a strange lull, and talking in very low tones, and not much even of that.
'What is it, Mary?
what _can_ it be ?' I ejaculated, not knowing what horror to suppose.