The Cask Of Amontillado

Montresor tells the story of the night that he took his revenge on Fortunat. Angry over some unspecified insult he plots to murder his friend during the carnival when the man is drunk. He baits Fortunato by telling him he has obtained a pipe of Amontillado a particularly rare and valuable sherry wine. Fortunato goes with Montresor to the wine cellars of the latter's palazzo where they wander deep underground in the catacombs. Montresor gives Fortunato more to drink. Montresor repeatedly warns Fortunato, who has a bad cough and suggests they go back. Fortunato insists on continuing. During their walk Montresor mentions his family coat of arms. When they come to a niche Montresor tells his victim that the Amontillado is within. Fortunato enters drunk and unsuspecting he does not resist as Montresor quickly chains him to the wall. Montresor then declares that since Fortunato won't go back he wants to go back. At first Fortunato shakes the chains furiously. The narrator stops working for a while so he can enjoy the sound. Fortunato then screams for help but Montresor mocks his cries knowing nobody can hear him. Later Fortunato laughs weakly and tries to pretend that he is the subject of a joke and that people will be waiting for him. Fortunato shouts "For the love of God Montresor" Montresor replies calmly, "Yes, for the love of God" He listens for a reply but hears only the jester's bells ringing as he places the last stone. He claims that he feels sick at heart but dismisses this reaction as an effect of the dampness of the catacombs. Montresor reveals that it has been fifty years since the murder, he has never been caught and Fortunato's body still hangs from its chains in the niche where he left it.