arrested by the rock, stood stupidly bewildered. A moment more and I

had fettered him to the granite. In its surface were two iron staples,

distant from each other about two feet, horizontally. From one of

these depended a short chain, from the other a padlock. Throwing the

links about his waist, it was but the work of a few seconds to secure

it. He was too much astounded to resist. Withdrawing the key I

stepped back from the recess.

Pass your hand," I said, "over the wall; you cannot help feeling the

nitre. Indeed, it is very damp. Once more let me implore you to

return. No? Then I must positively leave you. But I must first

render you all the little attentions in my power."

The Amontillado!" ejaculated my friend, not yet recovered from his

astonishment.

True," I replied; "the Amontillado."

As I said these words I busied myself among the pile of bones of which

I have before spoken. Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered a quantity

of building stone and mortar. With these materials and with the aid of

my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche.

I had scarcely laid the first tier of the masonry when I discovered

that the intoxication of Fortunato had in a great measure worn off. The

earliest indication I had of this was a low moaning cry from the depth

The Cask of Amontillado