The door at the stair-head was closed and barred.

My utmost strength was exerted in vain, to break the lock or the hinges.

Thus were my direst apprehensions fulfilled.

Welbeck had left me to sustain the charge of murder; to obviate suspicions the most atrocious and plausible that the course of human events is capable of producing.
Here I must remain till the morrow; till some one can be made to overhear my calls and come to my deliverance.

What effects will my appearance produce on the spectator?
Terrified by phantoms and stained with blood, shall I not exhibit the tokens of a maniac as well as an assassin?
The corpse of Watson will quickly be discovered.