He rose, and his
host took a light for the purpose of ushering him to his apartment.
When Gills return'd to his accustom'd situation in the large arm-chair
by the chimney-hearth, his ancient helpmate had retired to rest. With
the simplicity of their times, the bed stood in the same room where
the three had been seated during the last few hours; and now the
remaining two talk'd together about the singular events of the
evening. As the time wore on, Gills show'd no disposition to leave his
cosy chair; but sat toasting his feet, and bending over the coals.
Gradually the insidious heat and the lateness of the hour began to
exercise their influence over the old man. The drowsy indolent feeling
which every one has experienced in getting thoroughly heated through
by close contact with a glowing fire, spread in each vein and sinew,
and relax'd its tone. He lean'd back in his chair and slept.
For a long time his repose went on quietly and soundly. He could not
tell how many hours elapsed; but, a while after midnight, the torpid
senses of the slumberer were awaken'd by a startling shock. It was a
cry as of a strong man in his agony--a shrill, not very loud cry, but
fearful, and creeping into the blood like cold, polish'd steel. The
old man raised himself in his seat and listen'd, at once fully awake.
For a minute, all was the solemn stillness of midnight. Then rose that
horrid tone again, wailing and wild, and making the hearer's hair to
stand on end. One moment more, and the trampling of hasty feet sounded
in the passage outside.
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