After the first attempt I was not so much afraid of him, although he was rough enough when I tried to get away.

You know how the cellar is divided off into compartments.

Well, he discovered the one with the door, where you put your prisoners, and dragged me in there.

I knew he meant to close the door and leave me, but he thought me so weak and helpless that, after we were once inside, he walked across to test the iron bars at the windows.

I don't know how I did it; I couldn't have stood alone a moment before, but, all at once, it seemed as if I must, and I made the effort.