Tales of Terror and Mystery
The Brazilian Cat
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"Practicalistheword,"saidhe,withanotherhatefulchuckle.AndthensuddenlyIheard,amidsttheroarofthestorm,thecreakandwhineofthewinch-handleturningandtherattleofthegratingasitpassedthroughtheslot.GreatGod,hewaslettingloosetheBraziliancat!
InthelightofthelanternIsawthebarsslidingslowlybeforeme.Alreadytherewasanopeningafootwideatthefartherend.WithascreamIseizedthelastbarwithmyhandsandpulledwiththestrengthofamadman.IWASamadmanwithrageandhorror.ForaminuteormoreIheldthethingmotionless.Iknewthathewasstrainingwithallhisforceuponthehandle,andthattheleveragewassuretoovercomeme.Igaveinchbyinch,myfeetslidingalongthestones,andallthetimeIbeggedandprayedthisinhumanmonstertosavemefromthishorribledeath.Iconjuredhimbyhiskinship.IremindedhimthatIwashisguest;IbeggedtoknowwhatharmIhadeverdonehim.Hisonlyanswerswerethetugsandjerksuponthehandle,eachofwhich,inspiteofallmystruggles,pulledanotherbarthroughtheopening.Clingingandclutching,Iwasdraggedacrossthewholefrontofthecage,untilatlast,withachingwristsandlaceratedfingers,Igaveupthehopelessstruggle.ThegratingclangedbackasIreleasedit,andaninstantlaterIheardtheshuffleoftheTurkishslippersinthepassage,andtheslamofthedistantdoor.Theneverythingwassilent.
Thecreaturehadnevermovedduringthistime.Helaystillinthecorner,andhistailhadceasedswitching.
