But I could breathe more easily--even in the stupefaction of my fears--I was conscious of air.

Yes!--the blessed air had rushed in somehow.

Revived and encouraged as I recognized this fact, I felt with both hands till I found the crevice I had made, and then with frantic haste and strength I pulled and dragged at the wood, till suddenly the whole side of the coffin gave way, and I was able to force up the lid.

I stretched out my arms--no weight of earth impeded their movements--I felt nothing but air--empty air.

Yielding to my first strong impulse, I leaped out of the hateful box, and fell--fell some little distance, bruising my hands and knees on what seemed to be a stone pavement.