The stories that I had heard about some of his disreputable associates returned to my mind with unpleasant emphasis.
I had gradually dozed off, when half waking, half sleeping, I heard the patter of bare feet on the veranda floor.

The impression was not distinct enough to arouse me, and I have never been perfectly sure that I was not dreaming.

I do not know how much time elapsed after this--I was sound asleep--when I was suddenly startled awake by a succession of the most horrible screams I have ever heard.

In an instant I was on my feet in the middle of the floor.

Striking a match and lighting a candle, I grabbed an umbrella--it was the only semblance of a weapon anywhere at hand--and dashed into the hall.