I wandered over this deserted mansion, in a considerable degree, at random.

Effluvia of a pestilential nature assailed me from every corner.
In the front room of the second story, I imagined that I discovered vestiges of that catastrophe which the past night had produced.

The bed appeared as if some one had recently been dragged from it.

The sheets were tinged with yellow, and with that substance which is said to be characteristic of this disease, the gangrenous or black vomit.

The floor exhibited similar stains.
There are many who will regard my conduct as the last refinement of temerity, or of heroism.