I made no further remark. Mere words failed me. If Asta were lost to me, then it was my duty to avenge her death. Therefore I drew Cardew into the dark bedroom in which the dying girl had witnessed the hideous apparition of the hand, and then, with difficulty--for one hinge was broken--I closed the door. Afterwards, I switched on the electric light and we made a minute and careful examination of the apartment. But we discovered nothing. Before entering there I noticed that the door of Shaw's room adjoining was closed, for he was still downstairs writing. Presently, when we had satisfied ourselves that in the room was nothing suspicious, I pointed out to my friend that if we remained quietly in the darkness, without speaking, no one would suspect us of being there. "Now," I added, "I'm going to lie on that bed while you sit in yonder armchair in the corner; you take the torch, and at sign of the slightest movement flash on a light at anything you may see. Don't hesitate, for--well, perhaps my life may be in danger, like Guy's. Who knows?" I had taken from the corner Asta's small ash walking-stick which she sometimes used when tramping about the country, and with this in my hand I lay down upon the pillow, fully dressed as I was. Then Cardew, breathless with excitement, switched off the electric light, plunging the room in darkness. Gradually, when our eyes became used to it, we could distinguish a faint grey light from the window, but it was not sufficient for me to distinguish my friend, seated as he was in the corner with light and weapon ready. An hour passed, but nothing happened. We were waiting there, every nerve strained to the utmost tension, but in vain. At last a sudden suggestion crossed my mind, and leaving Cardew in the room, with his torch ready, I went next door into Shaw's room, which was still dark, and, having closed the door, imitated that peculiar whistle of his. Three or four times I whistled, surprised that I could imitate him so exactly. Then I waited, listening intently. I could hear nothing. So I crept back again to the bed in Asta's room, for I think Cardew was now becoming impatient. Then, while lying upon the bed, I cautioned him to be very careful. "Open your light at the slightest sound, remember." I held my breath, and could hear my own heart beating in the dead silence. Then after the lapse of a few moments--for we were both listening to the hum of a receding motor-car, and wondering whose it was--I suddenly gave vent to that low, curious whistle. Once, twice, thrice I repeated it, low and cautious, so that any one passing the door might not be attracted by it. Then I listened again with bated breath. A few seconds went by--seconds of intense anxiety. Then, of a sudden, my quick ears caught a curious ticking sound, and next moment a flood of white light fell upon the bedclothes close to my head.