bell sounded the hour, there came a knocking at the street door. I went down to open it with a light heart — for what had I now to fear? There entered three men, who introduced themselves, with perfect suavity,8 as officers of the police. A by had been heard a neighbor during the night; suspicion of foul play had been arousebell sounded the hour, there came a knocking at the street door. I went down to open it with a light heart — for what had I now to fear? There entered three men, who introduced themselves, with perfect suavity,8 as officers of the police. A shriek had been heard by a neighbor during the night; suspicion of foul play had been arouse
been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased. It grew louder — louder — louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled. Was it possible they heard not? Almighty God! — no, no! They heard! — they suspected! — they knew!
illains!” I shrieked, “dissemble no more! I admit the deed! — tear up the planks! — here, here! — it is the beating of his hideous heart!”