Its pendulum swung swing to and fro with a dull , heavy , monotonous clang clang ; and when the minute-hand made make the circuit of the face , and the hour was to be stricken , there came from the brazen lungs of the clock a sound sound which was clear and loud and deep and exceedingly musical , but of so peculiar a note and emphasis that , at each lapse of an hour , the musicians of the orchestra were constrained constrain to pause pause , momentarily , in their performance performance , to harken harken to the sound sound ; and thus the waltzers perforce ceased cease their evolutions evolution ; and there was a brief disconcert disconcert of the whole gay company ; and , while the chimes of the clock yet rang rang , it was observed observe that the giddiest grew pale pale , and the more aged and sedate passed pass their hands over their brows as if in confused revery or meditation .

I felt my heels and coat-laps peculiar subjects of assault ; and parrying parry off the larger combatants as effectually as I could with the poker , I was constrained constrain to demand demand , aloud , assistance from some of the household in re-establishing peace .