"But that is Herr Jensen's room," wailed the landlord. "It is no use; he has come from there himself." "I am not so sure," said Jensen. "I think this gentleman is right: we must go and see." The only weapons of defence that could be mustered on the spot were a stick and umbrella. The expedition went out into the passage, not without quakings. There was a deadly quiet outside, but a light shone from under the next door. Anderson and Jensen approached it. The latter turned the handle, and gave a sudden vigorous push. No use. The door stood fast. "Herr Kristensen," said Jensen, "will you go and fetch the strongest servant you have in the place? We must see this through." The landlord nodded, and hurried off, glad to be away from the scene of action. Jensen and Anderson remained outside looking at the door. "It is Number 13, you see," said the latter. [Pg 65] [Pg 65] "Yes; there is your door, and there is mine," said Jensen. "My room has three windows in the daytime," said Anderson, with difficulty suppressing a nervous laugh. "By George, so has mine!" said the lawyer, turning and looking at Anderson. His back was now to the door. In that moment the door opened, and an arm came out and clawed at his shoulder. It was clad in ragged, yellowish linen, and the bare skin, where it could be seen, had long gray hair upon it. Anderson was just in time to pull Jensen out of its reach with a cry of disgust and fright, when the door shut again, and a low laugh was heard. Jensen had seen nothing, but when Anderson hurriedly told him what a risk he had run, he fell into a great state of agitation, and suggested that they should retire from the enterprise, and lock themselves up in one or other of their rooms. However, while he was developing this plan, the landlord and two able-bodied men arrived on the scene, all looking rather serious and alarmed. Jensen met them with a torrent of description and explanation, which did not at all tend to encourage them for the fray. The
Prev.
Back
Top