The body of the dead man huddled on the floor, the unknown mystery of the dark house, filled me with an awful dread.
Seized by sudden terror I caught up the extinguished lamp, scarcely breathing until again outside in the hallway, the door closed behind me.

Trembling in every limb I felt my way along through the darkness, guiding myself by the wall.

What could I do?
What ought I to do?
I knew nothing of the house, or where to find the woman; I was not even sure of her presence.

Indeed, the very memory of her snaky eyes gave me new horror.

And Coombs! Suspecting him, as I did, it would be the height of folly to seek him out yonder in the dark.