The officers were satisfied, my manner had convinced them.

I was singularly at ease.

They sat, and while I answered cheerily, they chatted of familiar things,

but ere long I felt myself getting pale and wished them gone.

My head ached, and I fancied a ringing in my ears.

But still they sat and still they chatted. The ringing became

more distinct. It continued and became more distinct. And I talked more freely to get rid of the

feeling, but it continued and gained definiteness until at length I found that the noise was not

within my ears. No doubt I now grew very pale, but I talked more fluently

and with a heightened voice, yet the sound increased. And what could I do? It was a low,

dull, quick sound, much sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton.

I gassed for breath, and yet the officers heard it not.

I talked more quickly, more vehemently, but the noise steadily increased.

I arose and argued about trifles and a high key and with violent gesticulations,

but the noise steadily increased.

Why would they not be gone?

I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides as if excited to fury by the observations of the man, but the noise steadily increased.

God, what could I do?

I foamed.

I raved.

I swore.

I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting and grated it upon the boards,

...