I could trace no crack, no semblance of a hinge, no secret spring.

I felt along the surface, inch by inch, with my finger tips, pressing against each slight irregularity, but without result.

My ear held to the side wall heard nothing--apparently I was sealed in helplessly, but for the assistance of friends without; no effort on my part could ever bring release.

For a moment, as I realized all this, the cold perspiration stood in drops upon my forehead, and I noted the trembling of the hand holding the candlestick.

There was a horror to the thought hard to explain--perhaps I would be left immured until my small stock of candles was exhausted, and this dismal hole plunged in cave-like darkness; only two persons knew of my predicament, or were capable of releasing me.