Chapter III. Some three hours elapsed, during which time I remained seated on the low bench, absorbed in painful meditations.

At length I heard the crowing of a cock, and soon a distant rumbling sound, as of carriages hurrying through the streets, came to my ears, and I knew that it was day.

No ray of light, however, penetrated my prison.

Finally, I heard footsteps immediately overhead, as of some one walking to and fro.

It occurred to me then that I must be in an underground apartment, and the damp, mouldy odors of the place confirmed the supposition.

The noise above continued for at least an hour, when, at last, I heard footsteps approaching from without.

A key rattled in the lock—a strong door swung back upon its hinges, admitting a flood of light, and two men entered and stood before me.

One of them was a large, powerful man, forty years of age, perhaps, with dark, chestnut-colored hair, slightly interspersed with gray.

His face was full, his complexion flush, his features grossly coarse, expressive of nothing but cruelty and cunning.

He was about five feet ten inches high, of full habit, and, without prejudice, I must be allowed to say, was a man whose whole appearance was sinister and repugnant.