midnight
It rang out from an open window near his own . The sound seemed close to his ear . Only for an instant did John Hammond stand motionless after hearing that unearthly shriek . In the next moment he rushed into the corridor , expecting to hear the sound repeated , to find himself face to face with some midnight robber , whose presence had caused that wild cry of alarm . But in the corridor all was silent as the grave . No open door suggested the entrance of an intruder . The dimly-burning lamps showed only the long empty gallery .