Half doubting his senses, he passed his hand repeatedly over his eyes, and again listened for the repetition of that voice, the identity of which he had as yet failed utterly to distinguish.

The sounds were repeated, and the words grew more and more distinct.

He now caught in part the tenor of the sentence, though imperfectly heard.

It seemed to convey some warning of danger, and the person who spoke appeared, from the tremulous accents, to labor under many apprehensions.

The voice proceeded with increased emphasis, advising his instant departure from the house--speaking of nameless dangers--of murderous intrigue and conspiracy, and warning against even the delay of a single instant.
The character of Ralph was finely marked, and firmness of purpose and a ready decision were among its most prominent attributes.