Weak as water, and half awake, I did not know that I moved, but the distance grew less between us.

She took one step back, raised her left arm, and with the clenched hand seemed to strike me on the forehead.

I received as it were a blow from an iron hammer, and fell.
I sprang to my feet, cold and wet, but clear-headed and strong.

Had the blow revived me?
it had left neither wound nor pain!--But how came I wet ?--I could not have lain long, for the moon was no higher! The lady stood some yards away, her back toward me.

She was doing something, I could not distinguish what.