It was not new to him.

For months he had fallen asleep with the thunderous crash of ice and the screaming fury of storm in his ears.

But to-night there was something in the sound which sunk him still deeper into the gloom which he had found it impossible to throw off.

At last he fell asleep.
When he awoke he struck a match and looked at his watch.

It was four o'clock, and he dressed and went outside.