The air had grown sultry, and a gust of wind came suddenly.
A moment more and there was a flash of lightning, with a single sharp thunder-clap.

Then the rain fell in torrents.
I had opened the window, and stood there looking out at the precipitous rain, when I descried a raven walking toward me over the grass, with solemn gait, and utter disregard of the falling deluge.

Suspecting who he was, I congratulated myself that I was safe on the ground-floor.

At the same time I had a conviction that, if I were not careful, something would happen.
He came nearer and nearer, made a profound bow, and with a sudden winged leap stood on the window-sill.

Then he stepped over the ledge, jumped down into the room, and walked to the door.