This was the Stone Rider!
The sounds came nearer and nearer until they were just outside. Then came another pause, and a heavy sigh—almost a groan—but whether from horse, or rider, I could not decide. Then the horse was turned round, and clattered and rattled down the shallow steps of the staircase, and away down the corridors, until all was silent once more.
All this time, though greatly excited, I had not felt the slightest sensation of fear; but now that all was still such a feeling of terror came over me that I lay awake for hours scarcely able to breathe, listening for the return of this midnight visitant. But he did not come, and towards morning I fell asleep.
"IT IS GOING DOWN THE CORRIDOR TOWARDS THE STUDY."
At breakfast I observed that Auberthal, who had been very lively the previous evening, seemed silent and depressed. Siebach, too, looked rather yellower and thinner than usual. I enquired if they had not slept well.
"Oh, yes," answered Siebach, hastily, "I have slept very well indeed, thank you."
Auberthal said nothing for a moment.
"You don't look particularly brilliant yourself, Bazarac," he remarked presently.
"Somebody was racketing about the staircase last night and disturbed me," I replied carelessly. "Didn't you hear it, Auberthal? Your room is next mine. I wondered whether the noise would keep you awake."