A sudden fear came to him.

Had she in terror fled the place--was she wandering hopelessly lost, somewhere out there in the night?
He knocked more loudly, pushed open the door, turned the flash light here and there in the room.
He saw her lying, the blankets piled up above her, a white arm thrown out, her eyes closed, her face turned upon her other arm, deep in the stupor of exhaustion.

She was a woman, and very beautiful.
Suddenly frightened, he cut off the light.

But the glare had wakened her.

She started up, called out, "Who's there ?" Her voice was vibrant with terror.