He was, as he supposed, alone.

The place in which he was lying was a stable, lighted only by a small opening high up in the wall.

Certain, therefore, that he was not overlooked, he made an effort to rise to his feet, but he was so weak and giddy that he was obliged, for some time, to remain leaning against the wall.

Seeing a bucket in one corner, he made to it, and found, to his delight, that it was half full of water, for he was parched with a devouring thirst.
After taking a deep draught he felt greatly revived, and then made a thorough survey of his prison.

It evidently formed part of the house of a well-to-do man, for it was solidly built of stone, and the door was strong and well fitted.
The opening in the wall was out of his reach.