In my terror and excitement I rained blows on the lock of the door, and I fired a cartridge into it.

It gave way, and the door swung open.
"Give me a light," said I; but Sapt still leant against the wall.
He was, of course, more moved than I, for he loved his master.

Afraid for himself he was not--no man ever saw him that; but to think what might lie in that dark cellar was enough to turn any man's face pale.
I went myself, and took a silver candlestick from the dining-table and struck a light, and, as I returned, I felt the hot wax drip on my naked hand as the candle swayed to and fro; so that I cannot afford to despise Colonel Sapt for his agitation.
I came to the door of the cellar.

The red stain turning more and more to a dull brown, stretched inside.

I walked two yards into the cellar, and held the candle high above my head.