Bruce heard a muffled, clicking noise. Then came a squeak, that sounded as though a nail was being pulled from wood. He extended one hand and pressed it against the end of the box. He felt a vibration.
The end of the coffin was moving outward! What did it mean? What was causing it?
He pressed again, and the end seemed to yield. Again he heard the muffled clicking. Then came a soft, sibilant whisper — a strange, creepy whisper — a voice in the grave!
Bruce shuddered. It was death, he thought. At first he could not distinguish the words, but as he listened, they came plainly.
"Lie still," said the voice. "You are safe. Be calm."
* * *
He obeyed the command. Some strange being had spoken from the depths below ground. The voice was weird, yet encouraging. Bruce did not move. He breathed deeply. The air seemed clearer.
"Press it" came the hissing whisper. "Press outward!"
Bruce obeyed. The end of the box moved a full inch. It was on a slant, and as it yielded, he heard the rasping sound of slipping nails.
"Press slowly," came the whisper. It seemed vague and quiet now.