Page:Iron shroud, or, Italian revenge (4).pdf/3

 High above there ran a range of seven grated windows, guarded with massy bars of the same metal, winch admitted light and air. Save these, and the tall folding doors beneath them, which occupied the centre, no chink, or chasm, or projection, broke the smooth black surface of the walls. An iron bedstead, ttered with straw, stood in one corner; and beside it, a vessel with water, and a coarse dish filled with coarser food.

Even the intrepid soul of Vivenzio shrunk with dismay as he entered this abode, and heard the ponderous doors triple-locked by the silent ruffians who conducted him to it. Their silence seemed prophetic of his fate, of living grave that had been prepared for him. His menaces and his entreaties, his indignant appeals for justice, and his impatient questioning of their intentions, were alike vain. They listonedlistened [sic], but spoke not, Fit ministers a crime that should have no tongue!

How dismal was the sound of their retiring steps! And, as their faint echoes died ong the winding passages, a fearful presage ew within him, that never more the face, or voice, or tread, of man, would greet his nses. He had seen human beings for the last time! And he had looked his last upon e bright sky, and upon the smiling earth, upon a beautiful world he loved and whoscwhose [sic] minion he had been! Here he was to d his life—a life he had just begun to revel