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portion of the last and the eleventh; there remained but a single stone to be
fitted and plastered in。 I struggled with its weight; I placed it partially in
its destined position。 But now there came from out the niche a low laugh
that erected the hairs upon my head。 It was succeeded by a sad voice;
which I had difficulty in recognizing as that of the noble Fortunato。 The
voice said
〃Ha! ha! ha!he! he! he!a very good joke indeedan excellent jest。
We shall have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzohe! he! he!over
our winehe! he! he!〃
〃The Amontillado!〃 I said。
〃He! he! he!he! he! he!yes; the Amontillado。 But is it not getting
late? Will not they be awaiting us at the palazzo; the Lady Fortunato and
the rest? Let us be gone。〃
〃Yes;〃 I said; 〃let us be gone。〃
〃 For the love of God; Montresor!〃
〃Yes;〃 I said; 〃for the love of God!〃
But to these words I hearkened in vain for a reply。 I grew impatient。 I
called aloud
〃Fortunato!〃
No answer。 I called again
〃Fortunato〃
No answer still。 I thrust a torch through the remaining aperture and
let it fall within。 There came forth in reply only a jingling of the bells。
My heart grew sick on account of the dampness of the catacombs。 I
hastened to make an end of my labour。 I forced the last stone into its
position; I plastered it up。 Against the new masonry I re…erected the old
rampart of bones。 For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them。
In pace requiescat!
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