At least, I would blow out the candle. No, I could not do it. “Do not move, or you are doomed,” were the words he had written.

These autosuggestions are frequently more imperious than the most positive realities; but why should I struggle against them? I had simply to close my eyes. I did so.

At that moment, I heard a slight noise, followed by crackling sounds, proceeding from a large room used by me as a library. A small room or antechamber was situated between the library and my bedchamber.