"In three quick steps _it_ was beside me. I say _it_, for the figure
resembled that of a ghost, or some horrible _thing_. From the eyes two
flames seemed to dart, the lips opened, and I heard, in a low mutter:--
"'Ah! he is going to recover, then!'
"As the words left the phantom's lips, it reached my cot at a bound;
something gleamed aloft, and I started back only in time to avoid the
sharp point of a poniard, which grazed my head and nearly buried itself
in the pillow on which I lay.
"Well, I started up and endeavored to seize my assailant; but she
suddenly broke away from me, still clutching her weapon. Her clothing
was torn from her person--she recoiled toward the door--and I leaped
from my couch to rush after and arrest her. I had not the strength to
do so, however. I had scarcely taken three steps when I began to
stagger.
"'Murderess!' I exclaimed, extending my arms to arrest her flight.
"It was useless. A few feet further I reeled--my head seemed turning
round--and again shouting 'Murderess!' I fell at full length on the
floor, at the moment when the woman disappeared.
"That was curious, was it not? It would have been a tragical dream--it
was more tragical in being no dream at all, but a reality. What had
taken place was simple, and easy to understand.
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