To my surprise, Montresor began to wall up the entrance of the niche.
The intoxication was starting to wear off and I started to realize what was happening. I cried out in fear. He continued to lay tiers. I shook the chains, struggling to escape.
He continued until midnight, and the deed was almost done. I watched in terror as he completed the eighth, the ninth and the tenth tier. He had finished a portion of the last and the eleventh; there remained but a single stone to be fitted and plastered in. I let out an insane laugh. Finally, I gained the courage to speak.
"Ha! ha! ha! -he! he! he! -a very good joke, indeed -an excellent jest. We will have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo -he! he! he! -over our wine -he! he! he!"
"The Amontillado!" said Montresor.
"He! he! he! -he! he! he! -yes, the Amontillado. But is it not getting late? Will not they be awaiting us at the palazzo, the Lady Fortunato and the rest? Let us be gone." I said.
"Yes," said Montresor "let us be gone."
"For the love of God, Montresor!" I said.
"Yes," said Montresor "for the love of God!"
I always knew he was mentally unbalanced, but I was surprised he would believe he was murdering me as a reflection for his love for God!