"What's that ?" he called suddenly.
The talking and laughter ceased.

My own strained ears were pervaded by a slight rustling sound.
"Must be a rat," replied Sampson in relief.

Strange how any sudden or unknown thing weighed upon him.
The rustling became a rattle.
"Sounds like a rattlesnake to me," said Blome.
Sampson got up from the table and peered round the room.

Just at that instant I felt an almost inappreciable movement of the adobe wall which supported me.

I could scarcely credit my senses.