The breathing of one instantly ceased, and a motion was made as if the head were lifted from the pillow.

This motion, which was made by the husband, awaked his companion, who exclaimed, "What is the matter ?" "Something, I believe," replied he, "in the closet.

If I was not dreaming, I heard the pistols strike against each other as if some one was taking them down." This intimation was well suited to alarm the lady.

She besought him to ascertain the matter.

This, to my utter dismay, he at first consented to do, but presently observed that probably his ears had misinformed him.
It was hardly possible that the sound proceeded from them.