ut after I had tried
the door by which I had entered and found it securely locked, and then
bounding to the other side of the room, tried the opposite one with the
same result, I could not but acknowledge I was caught. What did it
mean? Caught, and I was in haste, mad haste. Filling the room with my
cries, I shouted for help and a quick release, but my efforts were
naturally fruitless, and after exhausting myself in vain I stood still
and surveyed, with what equanimity was left me, the appearance of the
dreary place in which I had thus suddenly become entrapped.

CHAPTER II

It was a small square room, and I shall not soon forget with what a
foreboding shudder I observed that its four blank walls were literally
unbroken by a single window, for this told me that I was in no
communication with the street, and that it would be impossible for me
to summon help from the outside world. The single gas jet burning in a
fixture hanging from the ceiling was the only relief given to the eye
in the blank expanse of white wall that surrounded me; while as to
furniture, the room could boast of nothing more than an old-fashioned
black-walnut table and two chairs, the latter cushioned, but stiff in
the back and generally dilapidated in appearance. The only sign of
comfort about me was a tray that stood on the table, containing a
couple of bottles of wine and two glasses. The bottles were full and
the glasses clean, and to add to this appearance of hospitality a box
of cigars rested invitingly near, which I could not fail to perceive,
even at the first glance, were of the very best brand.

Astonished at these tokens of consideration for my welfare, and
confounded by the prospect which they offered of a lengthy stay in this
place, I gave another great shout; but to no better purpose than
before. Not a voice answered, and not a stir was heard in the house.
But there came from without the faint sound of suddenly moving wheels,
as if the carriage which I had left standing before the door had slowly
rolled away. If this were so, then was I indeed a prisoner, while the
moments so necessary to my plans, and perhaps to the securing of my
whole future happiness, were flying by like the wind. As I realized
this, and my own utter helplessness, I fell into one of the chairs
before me in a state of perfect despair. Not that any fears for my
life were disturbing me, though one in my situation might well question
if he would ever again