She knew the reason for that thrill. A distinct growl had brought her
wide-awake.
"Mercy! What is it?" she breathed, looking from side to side without
making a movement that would cause the slightest sound.
A faint scratching noise to the right of her attracted her attention in
that direction. The shadows were deep on that side. Harriet at first was
able to make out nothing there, but she knew something was at work close
by and believed it to be some sort of an animal. Most girls would have
screamed under similar conditions. Harriet Burrell did not. She lay
perfectly still listening, with every faculty on the alert.
The scratching stopped instantly she had moved a little to get a better
view of the spot where she had heard the noise. Now came heavy breathing.
"What can it be?" whispered the girl. "I--I wish I had my shoes on--no I
don't, I shouldn't ran if I had. But I'll see if I can Blip my slippers on
in case I do have to run," she decided wisely.
The first movement toward putting on the slippers, which lay on the cot
within easy reach of her hand, caused a commotion in the shadows. There
was a sudden movement, a half growl, then silence.
Harriet lay absolutely motionless. Her breathing was scarcely perceptible.
Some animal lurched out of the shadows and for a moment stood with ears
pricked up.
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