Byrne ran to the bed and attempted to lift up, to push off the horrible lid smothering the body.

It resisted his efforts, heavy as lead, immovable like a tombstone.

The rage of vengeance made him desist; his head buzzed with chaotic thoughts of extermination, he turned round the room as if he could find neither his weapons nor the way out; and all the time he stammered awful menaces.

.

.
A violent battering at the door of the inn recalled him to his soberer senses.