Neither could I forget what I had read of
these pits --that the sudden extinction of life formed no part of
their most horrible plan.
Agitation of spirit kept me awake for many long hours; but at length
I again slumbered. Upon arousing, I found by my side, as before, a
loaf and a pitcher of water. A burning thirst consumed me, and I
emptied the vessel at a draught. It must have been drugged; for
scarcely had I drunk, before I became irresistibly drowsy. A deep
sleep fell upon me --a sleep like that of death. How long it lasted of
course, I know not; but when, once again, I unclosed my eyes, the
objects around me were visible. By a wild sulphurous lustre, the
origin of which I could not at first determine, I was enabled to see
the extent and aspect of the prison.
In its size I had been greatly mistaken. The whole circuit of its
walls did not exceed twenty-five yards. For some minutes this fact
occasioned me a world of vain trouble; vain indeed! for what could
be of less importance, under the terrible circumstances which
environed me, then the mere dimensions of my dungeon? But my soul took
a wild interest in trifles, and I busied myself in endeavors to
account for the error I had committed in my measurement.
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