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In a few minutes after, I heard the creaking of my door, as if

some one endeavoured to open it softly. I trembled from head to

foot; I felt a presentiment of who it was and wished to rouse one

of the peasants who dwelt in a cottage not far from mine; but I

was overcome by the sensation of helplessness, so often felt in

frightful dreams, when you in vain endeavour to fly from an

impending danger, and was rooted to the spot.

Presently I heard the sound of footsteps along the passage; the

door opened, and the wretch whom I dreaded appeared. Shutting the

door, he approached me and said in a smothered voice,