For I indulged myself, without reluctance, gloomy thoughts; but the delection which they produced became insupportably painful I endeavored to dissipate it with music I had all my grandfather's melody as poetry by rote I now lighted by chance on ballad which commemorated the fate of German cavalier who fell siege of Nice under Godfrey of Bouillon My choice was unfortunate; scenes of violence and carnage which were here wildly but forcibly portrayed only suggested to my thoughts new topic horrors of war

I sought refuge, but ineffectually, in sleep My mind was thronged by vivid but confused images, and no effort that was sufficient to drive them away situation I heard the clock, which hung room, give the signal for twelve It same instrument which formerly hung in my father's chamber, and which, on account being his workmanship, was regarded by everyone family with veneration It had fallen division property, and was placed asylum The sound awakened series of reflections respecting his death not allowed to pursue them; for scarcely had the vibrations ceased, when my attention was attracted by whisper, which, at first, appeared from lips that were laid close to my ear

No wonder that circumstance like this startled me first impulse terror, I uttered slight scream and shrunk opposite side bed In moment, however, I recovered from my trepidation habitually indifferent to all the causes of fear the majority are afflicted I entertained no apprehension of either ghosts or robbers Our security had never been molested by either, and use of no means or counterwork their machinations My tranquillity occasion was quickly retrieved The whisper evidently proceeded from one who was posted at my bedside The first idea that suggested itself was uttered girl who lived with me as servant Perhaps somewhat had alarmed her, or she was sick, and had come to request my assistance By whispering in my ear she intended to rouse without alarming me

Full persuasion, I called, "Judith, you ? What ? anything the matter ? " No answer was returned I repeated my inquiry, but equally in vain Cloudy as atmosphere, and curtained as my bed was, nothing was visible I withdrew the curtain, and, leaning my head on my elbow, I listened deepest attention to catch some new sound Meanwhile, I ran over in my thoughts every circumstance that could assist my conjectures

My habitation was wooden edifice, consisting of two stories In each story were two rooms, separated by an entry, or middle passage, they communicated by opposite doors The passage lower story had doors two ends, and staircase Windows answered doors upper story Annexed , eastern side, were wings, divided in like manner into an upper and lower room; comprised kitchen, and chamber above it servant, and communicated on both stories parlor adjoining it below chamber adjoining it above The opposite wing is of smaller dimensions, the rooms not being above eight feet square The lower was used as depository of household implements; the upper was closet I deposited my books and papers They had but one inlet, room adjoining no window lower one, and upper small aperture which communicated light and air, but would scarcely admit the body The door which led was close to my bed head, and was always locked but when I myself was within The avenues below were accustomed closed and bolted at nights

The maid was my only companion; and reach my chamber without previously passing opposite chamber middle passage, , however, the doors were usually unfastened If she had occasioned this noise, she answered my repeated calls No other conclusion, therefore, was left me, but that I had mistaken the sounds, my imagination had transformed some casual noise voice of human creature Satisfied solution, preparing to relinquish my listening attitude, when my ear was again saluted with new and yet louder whispering It appeared, as before, to issue from lips that touched my pillow second effort of attention, however, clearly showed me sounds issued from closet, the door of not more than eight inches from my pillow

This second interruption occasioned shock less vehement former I started, but gave no audible token of alarm mistress feelings as listening to what said The whisper was distinct, hoarse, and uttered so show speaker was desirous of being heard by some one near, but, same time, studious to avoid being overheard by :--

"Stop ! stop, , madman ! better means than that Curse upon your rashness ! no need to shoot "

Such were the words uttered, in tone of eagerness and anger, within so small distance pillow What construction could I put upon them ? My heart began to palpitate with dread of some unknown danger Presently, another voice, but equally near me, was heard whispering in answer, " ? draw trigger business; but perdition be my lot if more ! " the first voice returned, in tone which rage had heightened in small degree above whisper, "Coward ! stand aside, me grasp her throat; do her business in an instant; she time groan " What wonder that petrified by sounds so dreadful ! Murderers lurked in my closet They were planning the means destruction One resolved to shoot, other menaced suffocation Their means being chosen, forthwith break the door Flight instantly suggested itself as most eligible in circumstances so perilous I deliberated not moment; but, fear adding wings to my speed, I leaped out of bed, and, scantily robed as , rushed chamber, downstairs, and open air hardly recollect the process of turning keys and withdrawing bolts My terrors urged me forward with almost mechanical impulse I stopped not till I reached my brother's door I gained the threshold, when, exhausted violence emotions and by my speed, I sunk down in fit

How long I remained situation not When I recovered, myself stretched on bed, surrounded by my sister and her female servants astonished scene before me, but gradually recovered the recollection of what had happened I answered their importunate inquiries as able My brother and Pleyel, whom the storm preceding day chanced to detain here, informing themselves of every particular, proceeded with lights and weapons to my deserted habitation They entered my chamber and my closet, and found everything in its proper place and customary order The door closet was locked, and appeared not opened in my absence They went to Judith's apartment They found her asleep and in safety Pleyel's caution induced him to forbear alarming the girl; and, finding her wholly ignorant of what had passed, they directed her to return to her chamber They then fastened the doors and returned

My friends were disposed to regard this transaction as dream That persons actually immured closet, , circumstances time, access from without or within was apparently impossible, seriously believe That any human beings had intended murder, unless it were scheme of pillage, was incredible; but that no such design formed was evident security furniture house closet remained

I revolved every incident and expression that had occurred My senses assured me truth ; and yet their abruptness and improbability made me, in my turn, somewhat incredulous The adventure had made deep impression on my fancy; and not till after week's abode at my brother's that I resolved to resume the possession own dwelling