It was rather impressive to the dullest imagination to be sitting there at night, in that empty mansion, in the darkness, with the storm beating around it, waiting for--we knew not what. To me, with my ardent temperament, and under the peculiar circumstances, it was exciting in the highest degree. For a long time there was but one interruption to our silent watch. Mr. Burton leaned over the table, whispering, "Did you hear some one singing?" "I heard nothing but the wind, and the creaking of a tree against the side of the house, except the rain, that I would be sure of. Hark!" I did think I heard a soft, angelic note of music swelling in the air above me, but at that moment the tempest redoubled its clamor, beating out all lesser sounds. "Unless I am mistaken, there was a human voice," he continued, in the same whisper. "Or a heavenly one," I murmured. I believe Mr. Burton said "nonsense!" but I am not certain. Again there was a long interval of waiting; we both leaned over toward each other at the same instant, as the sound of something shoved overhead attracted our attentive ears. "It is rats in the garret," said I. "Mrs. Scott says they are in the house." "I hardly think it was rats; but we will wait a while." Mr. Burton had brought a lamp and matches, so that we could have a light when we wished it; if we heard any thing more overhead, I knew he would examine the attic. There was a lull in the rain; as we sat expectant, the pushing sound was shortly followed by a light, regular patter, as of soft footsteps, along the floor of the garret. I had heard rats make precisely similar sounds traversing a ceiling; and though my heart beat a little faster, I was still quite certain it was these troublesome vermin. The next thing which fixed our attention was a glimmer of light. I think the most spectral visitant could hardly have affected me as did that sudden ray of light, shooting through the key-hole and under the bottom of the door. Silently it crept along over the carpet, moving as if the object which threw it was carried in the hand of a person walking. I do not know exactly what I did expect when it paused in front of the door, except that the door would open, and I should see--the mystery. An instant of suspense--then the flickering light wavered and moved around to the opposite angle from that at which it had first appeared--it was going through the corridor and down the stairs. "All right," breathed my companion, in a scarcely audible whisper. "Wait!" The hand which he laid on my own was cold with excitement. As the last yellow gleam trembled and disappeared, the elements conspired in a grand attack upon our citadel; we could hear nothing but the roar of their artillery--the tramp of their battalions. We waited perhaps five minutes.