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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 my 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
of the recess. It was not the cry of a drunken man. There was then a
long and obstinate silence. I laid the second tier, and the third, and
the fourth; and then I heard the furious vibrations of the chain. The
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