as seldom befallen a
human being before. But I have attained my end. The danger from the
Terror which dwells in the Blue John Gap has passed never to return.
Thus much at least I, a broken invalid, have done for the common good.
Let me now recount what occurred as clearly as I may.

The night of Friday, May 3rd, was dark and cloudy--the very night for
the monster to walk. About eleven o'clock I went from the farm-house
with my lantern and my rifle, having first left a note upon the table
of my bedroom in which I said that, if I were missing, search should be
made for me in the direction of the Gap. I made my way to the mouth of
the Roman shaft, and, having perched myself among the rocks close to
the opening, I shut off my lantern and waited patiently with my loaded
rifle ready to my hand.

It was a melancholy vigil. All down the winding valley I could see the
scattered lights of the farm-houses, and the church clock of
Chapel-le-Dale tolling the hours came faintly to my ears. These tokens
of my fellow-men served only to make my own position seem the more
lonely, and to call for a greater effort to overcome the terror which
tempted me continually to get back to the farm, and abandon for ever
this dangerous quest. And yet there lies deep in every man a rooted
self-respect which makes it hard for him to turn back from that which
he has once undertaken. This feeling of personal pride was my
salvation now, and it was that alone which held me fast when every
instinct of my nature was dragging me away. I am glad now that I had
the strength. In spite of all that is has cost me, my manhood is at
least above reproach.

Twelve o'clock struck in the distant church, then one, then two. It
was the darkest hour of the night. The clouds were drifting low, and
there was not a star in the sky. An owl was hooting somewhere among
the rocks, but no other sound, save the gentle sough of the wind, came
to my ears. And then suddenly I heard it! From far away down the
tunnel came those muffled steps, so soft and yet so ponderous. I heard
also the rattle of stones as they gave way under that giant tread.
They drew nearer. They were close upon me. I heard the crashing of
the bushes round the entrance, and then dimly through the darkness I
was conscious of the loom of some enormous shape, some monstrous
inchoate creature, passing swiftly and very silently out from the
tunnel. I was paralysed with fear and amazement. Long as I h