recess, covered by these accusing stains.

This reflection once more set me on my feet and incited my exertions. I
now proceeded with greater wariness and caution. I had lost all distinct
notions of my way. My motions were at random. All my labour was to shun
obstructions and to advance whenever the vacuity would permit. By this
means, the entrance was at length found, and, after various efforts, I
arrived, beyond my hopes, at the foot of the staircase.

I ascended, but quickly encountered an insuperable impediment. The door
at the stair-head was closed and barred. My utmost strength was exerted
in vain, to break the lock or the hinges. Thus were my direst
apprehensions fulfilled. Welbeck had left me to sustain the charge of
murder; to obviate suspicions the most atrocious and plausible that the
course of human events is capable of producing.

Here I must remain till the morrow; till some one can be made to
overhear my calls and come to my deliverance. What effects will my
appearance produce on the spectator? Terrified by phantoms and stained
with blood, shall I not exhibit the tokens of a maniac as well as an
assassin?

The corpse of Watson will quickly be discovered. If, previous to this
disclosure, I should change my blood-stained garments and withdraw into
the country, shall I not be pursued by the most vehement suspicions,
and, perhaps, hunted to my obscurest retreat by the ministers of
justice? I am innocent; but my tale, however circumstantial or true,
will scarcely suffice for my vindication. My flight will be construed
into a proof of incontestable guilt.