credence. It is true. Some one at the other end of the line was
struggling for breath.

Then there was complete silence. I realized, after a moment, that
the circuit had been stealthily cut, and that my conviction was
verified by Central's demand, a moment later, of what number I
wanted. I was, at first, unable to answer her. When I did speak,
my voice was shaken.

"What number, please?" she repeated, in a bored tone. There is
nothing in all the world so bored as the voice of a small town
telephone-operator.

"You called," I said.

"Beg y'pardon. Must have been a mistake," she replied glibly,
and cut me off.



II


It may be said, and with truth, that so far I have recorded little
but subjective terror, possibly easily explained by my occupancy of
an isolated house, plus a few unimportant incidents, capable of
various interpretations. But the fear was, and is today as I look
back, a real thing. As real--and as difficult to describe--as a
chill, for instance. A severe mental chill it was, indeed.