So now, when his mind grew weary with the endeavour to set an Armageddon in array, he began to wish for a life of peaceful monotony, a place to be quiet in, where no high calls or imperious demands would come to threaten him.
He ceased to toss to and fro, and gradually sank into a half-conscious sleep.

It seemed to him at the time that he was still awake, held back from slumber by the great stillness of the country, that silence which disturbs ears long accustomed to the continuous roar of towns.

Suddenly he started into perfect wakefulness, and felt that he was in possession of all his faculties.

The room where he lay was quite dark, but he strained his eyes to see something in it.

He listened intently, although no sound whatever met his ears.