We sat motionless.

The something came nearer.
But the hours passed, midnight drew nigh, and there was no change.

The night was very still.

Not a sound broke the silence, not a rustle from the fire, not a crack from board or beam.

Now and again I felt a sort of heave, but whether in the earth or in the air or in the waters under the earth, whether in my own body or in my soul--whether it was anywhere, I could not tell.