I was awake, able to perceive dimly, and to realize my situation, before my body responded to action.

Returning life seemed to sweep downward as the mind grasped the realities, bringing consciousness of pain, throbbing head and aching muscles.

Little by little, silently, comprehending now what had occurred, and warned by the sound of voices not far away, I changed posture slightly, straightening out cramped limbs, and so turning my head as to enable me to see along the passage where a ray of light streamed.

There was a mist before my eyes, but this lessened, and I began to view intelligently the scene.
I lay twenty feet from the entrance to this habitation underground, thrust into the black shadow behind the door which stood partially ajar.

My position precluded any possibility of learning what was beyond that wooden barrier, but I could plainly view the entire north portion of the interior, although the only light radiated from a flickering candle.