most remote end crypt there appeared another less spacious Its walls lined with human remains, piled vault overhead, fashion great catacombs of Paris Three sides interior crypt were still ornamented manner fourth the bones thrown down, and lay promiscuously earth, forming at one point mound of some size wall thus exposed displacing bones, we perceived still interior recess, in depth about four feet, in width three, in height six or seven It seemed constructed for no especial use in itself, but formed merely the interval between two colossal supports roof catacombs, and was backed by one circumscribing walls of solid granite

in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavored to pry depths recess Its termination the feeble light enable us

"Proceed," ; "herein Amontillado As for Luchesi --"

" an ignoramus," interrupted my friend, as he stepped unsteadily forward, while I followed immediately at his heels In an instant he had reached the extremity niche, and finding his progress arrested rock, stood stupidly bewildered moment more and I had fettered him granite In its surface were two iron staples, distant from about two feet, horizontally From depended short chain, other padlock Throwing the links about his waist, but the work of few seconds to secure it astounded to resist Withdrawing the key I stepped back recess

"Pass your hand," , "over the wall ; help feeling the nitre Indeed very damp Once more let me _implore you to return No ? Then positively leave you But first render you all the little attentions in my power "

"The Amontillado ! " ejaculated my friend, not yet recovered astonishment

"True," I replied ; "the Amontillado "

As these words I busied myself pile of bones before spoken Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered quantity of building stone and mortar materials and aid trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance niche

I had scarcely laid the first tier masonry when I discovered intoxication of Fortunato had in great measure worn off The earliest indication I had of low moaning cry depth recess not the cry of drunken man then long and obstinate silence I laid the second tier, third, fourth ; and then I heard the furious vibrations chain The noise lasted for several minutes, during which, that hearken more satisfaction, I ceased my labors and sat down bones When at last the clanking subsided , I resumed the trowel, and finished without interruption the fifth, the sixth, seventh tier The wall was now nearly upon level with my breast I again paused, and holding the flambeaux over the mason-work, threw few feeble rays figure within

succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly throat chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back For brief moment I hesitated - I trembled Unsheathing my rapier, I began to grope with it recess : but the thought of an instant reassured me I placed my hand solid fabric catacombs, and felt satisfied I reapproached the wall I replied yells of him who clamored I re-echoed - I aided - I surpassed them in volume and in strength this, clamorer grew still

now midnight, and my task was drawing to close I had completed the eighth, the ninth, tenth tier I had finished portion last eleventh ; there remained but single stone fitted and plastered in I struggled with its weight ; I placed it partially in its destined position But now there came from out the niche low laugh that erected the hairs upon my head succeeded by sad voice, which I had difficulty in recognising noble Fortunato The voice said -

"Ha ! ha ! ha ! - he ! he ! - joke indeed - an excellent jest many rich laugh palazzo - he ! he ! he ! - over our wine - he ! he ! he ! "

"The Amontillado ! "

"He ! he ! he ! - he ! he ! he ! - yes, the Amontillado But not getting late ? Will not they be awaiting us palazzo, the Lady Fortunato rest ? be gone "

"Yes," , " be gone "

"_For the love of God, Montressor ! "

"Yes," , " love of God ! "

But words I hearkened in vain for reply I grew impatient I called aloud -

"Fortunato ! "

No answer I called again -

"Fortunato ! "

No answer still I thrust torch remaining aperture and let it fall within There came forth in return only jingling bells My heart grew sick - on account dampness catacombs I hastened an end labor I forced the last stone into its position ; I plastered it up Against the new masonry I re-erected the old rampart of bones half of century no mortal has disturbed them In pace requiescat !