Instinctively I draw a long breath, and my lungs are filled with the precious air they will speedily lack.
No, there is no immediate cause for alarm.

I am laid with comparative gentleness upon a hard floor, which gives me the sensation of metallic coldness.

I am lying at full length.

To my extreme surprise, I find that the ropes with which I was bound have been untied and loosened.
The tramping about around me has ceased.

The next instant I hear a door closed with a bang.
Where am I?
And, in the first place, am I alone?
I tear the gag from my mouth, and the bandages from my head.
It is dark--pitch dark.