Its motion was entirely noiseless, and might be called a gliding, were it not that it appeared that of a runner, but with ghostly feet.

I had moved back yet a little to let him pass me, and looked round after him instantly.

I could not see him.
"Where is he ?" I said, in some alarm, to the woman, who still sat reading.
"There, on the floor, behind you," she said, pointing with her arm half-outstretched, but not lifting her eyes.

I turned and looked, but saw nothing.

Then with a feeling that there was yet something behind me, I looked round over my shoulder; and there, on the ground, lay a black shadow, the size of a man.