The silence became distinct and burdensome to him, and a chill moisture gathered to his brow.

While he stood irresolute and in suspense, striving to collect his thoughts, his ear, preternaturally sharpened by fear, caught the faint muffled sound of creeping footsteps--he heard the stairs creak.

The sound broke the spell.

The previous vague apprehension gave way, when the danger became actually at hand.

His presence of mind returned at once.