.«
    Without being allowed time or power to deliberate, I found myself in the
same breath convoyed along as in a species of whirlwind, up stairs, up two pair
of stairs, nay, actually up three (for this fiery little man seemed as by
instinct to know his way everywhere); to the solitary and lofty attic was I
borne, put in and locked in, the key being on the door, and that key he took
with him, and vanished.
    The attic was no pleasant place: I believe he did not know how unpleasant it
was, or he never would have locked me in with so little ceremony. In this summer
weather, it was hot as Africa; as in winter, it was always cold as Greenland.
Boxes and lumber filled it; old dresses draped its unstained wall - cobwebs its
unswept ceiling. Well was it known to be tenanted by rats, by black beetles, and
by cockroaches - nay, rumour affirmed that the ghostly Nun of the garden had
once been seen here. A partial darkness obscured one end, across which, as for
deeper mystery, an old russet curtain was drawn, by way of screen to a sombre
band of winter cloaks, pendant each from its pin - like a malefactor from his
gibbet. From amongst these cloaks, and behind that curtain, the Nun was said to
issue. I did not believe this, nor was I troubled by apprehension thereof; but I
saw a very dark and large rat, with a long tail, come gliding out from that
squalid alcove; and, moreover, my eye fell on many a black beetle, dotting the
floor. These objects discomposed me more, perhaps, than it would be wise to say,
as also did the dust, lumber, and stifling heat of the place. The last
inconvenience would soon have become intolerable, had I not found means to open
and prop up the sky-light, thus admitting some freshness. Underneath this
aperture I pushed a large empty chest, and having mounted upon it a smaller box,
and wiped from both the dust, I gathered my dress (my best, the reader must
remember, and therefore a legitimate object of care) fastidiously round me,
ascended this species of extempore throne, and being seated, commenced the
acquisition of my task; while I learned, not forgetting to keep a sharp look-out
on the black beetles and cockroaches, of which, more even, I believe, than of
the rats, I sat in mortal dread.
    My impression at first was that I had undertaken what it really was
impossible to
