It was short and distinct, such a slight noise as might be made by drawing the palm of the hand quickly over a piece of stuff, or by a short breath checked almost instantly, or by a shoeless foot slipping a few inches on a thick carpet.

Contarini stood still and listened, for though he had heard it distinctly he had no impression of the direction whence it had come.

It was not repeated, and he began to search the room carefully.
He could find nothing.

The single window, high above the floor, was carefully closed and covered by a heavy curtain which could not possibly have moved in the stillness.

The tapestry was smoothly drawn and fastened upon the four walls.