The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface.

Then it flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend very much upon the position in which I met it.

If I lay on my face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to think of that dreadful snap.

Easier the other way, perhaps; and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black shadow wavering down upon me?
Already I was unable to stand erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope back to my heart.
"I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the walls were of wood.

As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward.