A more unwholesome and disgusting companion in one's room is difficult to conceive.

I believe these filthy monstrosities still exist in Newgate, although they are abolished in other prisons.

Yet it puzzles one to understand why prisoners awaiting trial should be poisoned by such a diabolical invention any more than prisoners who have been convicted and sentenced.
Just as I finished inspecting this monument of official ingenuity, I heard a heavy footstep along the corridor, and presently a key was inserted in my lock.

It "grated harsh thunder" as it turned.

The door was flung open abruptly, without any consideration whether I might be standing near it, and an official entered, who turned out to be the chief warder.