So I crept back again to the bed in Asta's room, for I think Cardew was
now becoming impatient. Then, while lying upon the bed, I cautioned him
to be very careful.
"Open your light at the slightest sound, remember."
I held my breath, and could hear my own heart beating in the dead
silence. Then after the lapse of a few moments--for we were both
listening to the hum of a receding motor-car, and wondering whose it
was--I suddenly gave vent to that low, curious whistle.
Once, twice, thrice I repeated it, low and cautious, so that any one
passing the door might not be attracted by it.
Then I listened again with bated breath.
A few seconds went by--seconds of intense anxiety.
Then, of a sudden, my quick ears caught a curious ticking sound, and
next moment a flood of white light fell upon the bedclothes close to my
head.
I sprang up with a shriek, for there--close to me--I saw _Something_--
the terrible claw-like Hand!