Now I walked for twelve hours, and in that time, did eat and
drink twice; and made onward again very steadfast, and happy that
all did go so quiet with me; so that it was as if I had at last
come to a part of the Land that was given over to quietness, and
lacking of monsters. Yet, in truth was I come to a worse place than
any, maybe; for as I went forward, striding very strong, and making
a good speed, I did hear presently a little noise upward in the
night, and someways unto my left, that had seeming as that it were
a strange low sound that did come down to me out of an hidden
doorway above; for, indeed, though the sound did come from very
nigh, as it did seem no more than a score feet above my head, yet
was it a noise that did come out of a great and mighty distance,
and out
