`` Impossible ! '' exclaimed others . `` See ! The moon shines beneath the porch , and shows every part of it except in the narrow shade of that pillar . There is no one there . '' `` Did not the door open ? '' whispered one of these fanciful persons . `` Didst thou see it too ? '' said his companion , in a startled tone . But the general sentiment was opposed to the idea that a third visitant had made application at the door of the deserted house . A few , however , adhered to this new marvel , and even declared that a red gleam like that of a torch had shone through the great front window , as if the negro were lighting a guest up the staircase . This too was pronounced a mere fantasy . But at once the whole multitude started , and each man beheld his own terror painted in the faces of all the rest . `` What an awful thing is this ! '' cried they . A shriek too fearfully distinct for doubt had been heard within the mansion , breaking forth suddenly and succeeded by a deep stillness , as if a heart had burst in giving it utterance . The people knew not whether to fly from the very sight of the house or to rush trembling in and search out the strange mystery . Amid their confusion and affright they were somewhat reassured by the appearance of their clergyman , a venerable patriarch , and equally a saint , who had taught them and their fathers the way to heaven for more than the space of an ordinary lifetime . He was a reverend figure with long white hair upon his shoulders , a white beard upon his breast and a back so bent over his staff that he seemed to be looking downward continually , as if to choose a proper grave for his weary frame . It was some time before the good old man , being deaf and of impaired intellect , could be made to comprehend such portions of the affair as were comprehensible at all .
But when possessed XXXXX the facts , his energies assumed unexpected vigor .
Amid as at before beneath in of through to upon