Again the lightning ceased.

In the ardour of his anxiety to behold more, he strained his eyes with the vain hope of penetrating the obscurity around him.

The darkness seemed interminable.

Once again the lightning flashed brilliantly out.

He looked eagerly towards the wall--the figure was still there.
His heart throbbed quickly within him, as he stood irresolute on the spot he had occupied since the first peal of thunder had struck upon his ear.