第642页 / 共657页

As I stood in the passage gazing at the sinister door and

wondering what secret it might veil, I suddenly heard the sound

of steps within the room and saw a shadow pass backward and

forward against the little slit of dim light which shone out from

under the door. A mad, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the

sight, Mr. Holmes. My overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I

turned and ran-ran as though some dreadful hand were behind me

clutching at the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage,

through the door, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who

was waiting outside.

"'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it

must be when I saw the door open.'

"'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted.

"'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'-you cannot think how

caressing and soothing his manner was-'and what has frightened

you, my dear young lady?'

"But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I

was keenly on my guard against him.