It was hardly credible that the jack had not got wrong with the minutes when the rattle began again, the puppet emerged, and the four quarters were struck fitfully as before.

One could almost be positive that there was a malicious leer upon the hideous creature's face, and a mischievous delight in its twitchings.

Then followed the dull and remote resonance of the twelve heavy strokes in the tower above.

The women were impressed, and there was no giggle this time.
The clergyman glided into the vestry, and the clerk vanished.

The sergeant had not yet turned; every woman in the church was waiting to see his face, and he appeared to know it.