I could neither see, nor hear anything, and yet I had a strange premonition that I was not alone.

There was an automatic revolver in the pocket of my coat, and I stepped back after it, picking up the lamp on my return, determined on a thorough examination of the upper story.

There was no doubt about the shot--the sound was no effect of a dream.

I wondered if the girl had been awakened by the report, and paused to listen at her door, but no sound reached me from within.

The thought that she might have discharged the weapon occurred to my mind, but was as instantly dismissed, as I was convinced she possessed nothing of the kind.
I moved down the hall cautiously, regretting the need of a lamp, but the place was strange, and I dare not venture about in the dark.