It was a large square room, looking all the larger from the absence of all

furniture. A vulgar flaring paper adorned the walls, but it was blotched in

places with mildew, and here and there great strips had become detached and hung

down, exposing the yellow plaster beneath.

 

Opposite the door was a showy fireplace, surmounted by a mantelpiece of

imitation white marble. On one corner of this was stuck the stump of a red wax

candle. The solitary window was so dirty that the light was hazy and uncertain,

giving a dull grey tinge to everything, which was intensified by the thick layer

of dust which coated the whole apartment.

 

All these details I observed afterwards. At present my attention was centred

upon the single grim motionless figure which lay stretched upon the boards, with

vacant sightless eyes staring up at the discoloured ceiling. It was that of a

man about forty-three or forty-four years of age, middle-sized, broad

shouldered, with crisp curling black hair, and a short stubbly beard. He was

dressed in a heavy broadcloth frock coat and waistcoat, with light-coloured

trousers, and immaculate collar and cuffs. A top hat, well brushed and trim, was

placed upon the floor beside him. His hands were clenched and his arms thrown

abroad, while his lower limbs were interlocked as though his death struggle had

been a grievous one. On his rigid face there stood an expression of horror, and

as it seemed to me, of hatred, such as I have never seen upon human features.

This malignant and terrible contortion, combined with the low forehead, blunt

nose, and prognathous jaw gave the dead man a singularly simious and ape-like

appearance, which was increased by his writhing, unnatural posture. I have seen