I took from their sconces two flambeaux, and giving one to Fortunato, bowed him through several suites of rooms to the archway that led into the vaults. I passed down a long and winding staircase, requesting him to be cautious as he followed. We came at length to the foot of the descent, and stood together on the damp ground of the catacombs of the Montresors.

      The gait of my friend was unsteady, and the bells upon his cap jingled as he strode.

      "The pipe?"

      "It is farther on, but observe the white web-work which gleams from these cavern walls."

      "Nitre?"

      "Nitre. How long have you had that cough?"

      "Ugh! ugh! ugh! - ugh! ugh! ugh! - ugh! ugh! ugh! - ugh! ugh! ugh! - ugh! ugh! ugh!"

      "It is nothing."