He sprung upon the floor, thinking first of his boy, and next of the old man whom he had left drunk in his bed, and dressed as fast as he could, expecting every moment a fresh assault of horrible sound.

But all he heard was the hasty running of far off feet.

He hurried down, passing carefully his mother's door, but listening as he passed, in the hope of finding she had not been disturbed.

He heard nothing, and went on.

But in truth the old lady lay trembling, too terrified to move or utter a sound.