For some time, now, the boys had been dully conscious of a peculiar sound in the distance, just as one sometimes is of the ticking of a clock which he takes no distinct note of.

• 有一段时间，几个孩子隐隐约约地听到远处有一种奇怪的声响，就像你不特别留神时听到的钟摆的滴嗒滴嗒声。