Soon I saw that the matter shortly would be taken entirely from my
hands, for the eyes at my right were moving slowly nearer me, as
were those at my left and those behind and before me. Gradually
they were closing in upon me--but still that awful stealthy silence!
For what seemed hours the eyes approached gradually closer and
closer, until I felt that I should go mad for the horror of it. I
had been constantly turning this way and that to prevent any sudden
rush from behind, until I was fairly worn out. At length I could
endure it no longer, and, taking a fresh grasp upon my long-sword,
I turned suddenly and charged down upon one of my tormentors.
As I was almost upon it the thing retreated before me, but a sound
from behind caused me to wheel in time to see three pairs of eyes
rushing at me from the rear. With a cry of rage I turned to meet
the cowardly beasts, but as I advanced they retreated as had their
fellow. Another glance over my shoulder discovered the first eyes
sneaking on me again. And again I charged, only to see the eyes
retreat before me and hear the muffled rush of the three at my
back.
Thus we continued, the eyes always a little closer in the end than
they had been before, until I thought that I should go mad with the
terrible strain of the ordeal. That they were waiting to spring
upon my back seemed evident, and that it would not be long before
they succeeded was equally apparent, for I could not endure the
wear of this repeated charge and countercharge indefinitely.
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