us insect brushing about
my body, I felt Its evil desires wavering about my mental self,
examining, searching where It might seize. It had not yet found the
weakness It sought. If It did----?

The sickening, vault-like air I must breathe fought for It. So did the
darkness. All this time, or the time that seemed so long, I had no more
command of my body than a cataleptic patient. Every ounce of force in me
had rushed to support the two warriors of the battle: the brain and will
that opposed the clutching menace. But now, as I grew more and more
fully awake, out of very loathing and danger I drew determination.
Slowly, painfully, I began to free my right arm and hand from this
paralysis.

As I advanced in resolution, the Thing seemed to recoil. Inch by inch, I
moved my hand across the bed toward my reading-lamp on the stand beside
me. In proportion as I moved, the dreadful tentacles drew back and away.
A last effort, and the chain was in my fingers. I jerked spasmodically.

Rosy light from the lamp flashed over the room. All the quiet comfort of
the place sprang into view as if to reassure me; the piano open as I had
left it, the table strewn with my evening's work, each bit of furniture,
each drapery or trinket undisturbed.

The Thing was gone. In the hush I heard my panting breath and the tick
of my watch on the stand. It was two o'clock in the morning. As I
mechanically read the hour, a cock somewhere shrilled its second call
before dawn. The Horror had been true to the legendary time of
apparitions.

Weak and chilled, I presently made an attempt to rise. But at the
movement, a wave of sickness swept through me. The room seemed to rock
and swing. I had just time to recognize the grip of faintness before I
fell back on the pillow.

* * * * *

Vivifying sweetness was in my nostrils, which expanded avidly for this
new air. Perfume that was a tonic, a subtle elixir; that sparkled upon
the senses, sank suavely and healingly through me, so that I seemed to
draw refreshment with each breath. Reluctantly, I aroused more and more
in response to this unusual stimulant; which somehow gave delicious rest
yet drew me from it into life.

I could have sworn someone had touched me. With some exclamation on my
lips, I started up; to find myself in darkness. The lamps I had left
lighted burned no longer.

This time there was no terror in my awakening. No Thing of nightmare
pressed against my wi