a person . It was the watch for the ancient Being who sought to obsess him.

And the way in which Dr. Silence answered his look⁠—though it was only by a glance of subtlest sympathy⁠—confirmed my impression.

“We may be ready now,” I heard him say in a whisper, and I understood that his words were intended as a steadying warning, and braced myself mentally to the utmost of my power.