The swishing sound recommenced, and stopped.

Then the four fingers of a hand, palm downwards, were cautiously introduced between the bottom log and the denuded floor.

Upon that intruding hand the bowie-knife of Demorest descended like a flash of lightning.

There was no outcry.
Even in that supreme moment Demorest felt a pang of admiration for the stoicism of the unseen trespasser.

But the maimed hand was quickly withdrawn, and as quickly Demorest rushed to the door and dashed into the outer darkness.
For an instant he was dazed and bewildered by the sudden change.