The figures of fiends in aspects of menace, with
skeleton forms, and other more really fearful images, overspread and
disfigured the walls. I observed that the outlines of these
monstrosities were sufficiently distinct, but that the colors seemed
faded and blurred, as if from the effects of a damp atmosphere. I
now noticed the floor, too, which was of stone. In the centre yawned
the circular pit from whose jaws I had escaped; but it was the only
one in the dungeon.
All this I saw indistinctly and by much effort: for my personal
condition had been greatly changed during slumber. I now lay upon my
back, and at full length, on a species of low framework of wood. To
this I was securely bound by a long strap resembling a surcingle. It
passed in many convolutions about my limbs and body, leaving at
liberty only my head, and my left arm to such extent that I could,
by dint of much exertion, supply myself with food from an earthen dish
which lay by my side on the floor. I saw, to my horror, that the
pitcher had been removed. I say to my horror; for I was consumed
with intolerable thirst. This thirst it appeared to be the design of
my persecutors to stimulate: for the food in the dish was meat
pungently seasoned.
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