The silence underwent no second interruption.

My chamber door was closed, but unlocked, and, aided by vehement efforts of my courage, I opened and looked in.
No hideous or uncommon object was discernible.

The danger, indeed, might easily have lurked out of sight, have sprung upon me as I entered, and have rent me with his iron talons; but I was blind to this fate, and advanced, though cautiously, into the room.
Still every thing wore its accustomed aspect.

Neither lamp nor candle was to be found.

Now, for the first time, suspicions were suggested as to the nature of the light which I had seen.