 to do. It was very
probable, I considered, that some words were written upon that side of the paper
which had not been examined - but which side was that? Fitting the pieces
together gave me no clue in this respect, although it assured me that the words
(if there were any) would be found all on one side, and connected in a proper
manner, as written. There was the greater necessity of ascertaining the point in
question beyond a doubt, as the phosphorus remaining would be altogether
insufficient for a third attempt, should I fail in the one I was now about to
make. I placed the paper on a book as before, and sat for some minutes
thoughtfully revolving the matter over in my mind. At last I thought it barely
possible that the written side might have some unevenness on its surface, which
a delicate sense of feeling might enable me to detect. I determined to make the
experiment, and passed my finger very carefully over the side which first
presented itself. Nothing, however, was perceptible, and I turned the paper,
adjusting it on the book. I now again carried my forefinger cautiously along,
when I was aware of an exceedingly slight, but still discernible glow, which
followed as it proceeded. This, I knew, must arise from some very minute
remaining particles of the phosphorus with which I had covered the paper in my
previous attempt. The other, or under side, then, was that on which lay the
writing, if writing there should finally prove to be. Again I turned the note,
and went to work as I had previously done. Having rubbed in the phosphorus, a
brilliancy ensued as before - but this time several lines of MS. in a large
hand, and apparently in red ink, became distinctly visible. The glimmer,
although sufficiently bright, was but momentary. Still, had I not been too
greatly excited, there would have been ample time enough for me to peruse the
whole three sentences before me - for I saw there were three. In my anxiety,
however, to read all at once, I succeeded only in reading the seven concluding
words, which thus appeared - »blood - your life depends upon lying close.«
    Had I been able to ascertain the entire contents of the note - the full
meaning of the admonition which my friend had thus attempted to convey, that
admonition, even although it should have revealed a story of disaster the most
unspeakable, could not, I am firmly convinced, have imbued my mind with one
tithe of the harrowing and yet indefinable horror with which I
