PART 4
Dan, Emil, Nat, Nan and Tommy stood frozen along the wall, trying to be as still as possible. Every breath, every heartbeat, seemed to resound throughout the house. Dan had doused the lantern, hoping whoever it was would think the house unoccupied and would therefore leave.
But their worst fears were becoming reality. The intruder had reached the top of the stairs and did not turn back. Everyone listened, growing ever more anxious as they heard ponderous footsteps echo down the hallway, pausing at each bedroom door. The stranger was obviously suspicious of someone being in the house, and was in the process of checking room by room.
All eyes were fixed on the door. The amber glow of the lantern appeared on the wall of the passageway, creating shadows which swung to and fro with the gait of the light bearer. After what seemed an eternity, a shadowy form materialized in the doorway. Everyone gasped, except for Dan.
He studied the approaching figure. There was something familiar about this person, even though the light cast oblique shadows which distorted his features.
"Dan?" a voice questioned.
"Will? Is that you?" Dan responded.
PART 5
