<P> At one point, Fortunato makes an elaborate, grotesque gesture with an upraised wine bottle . When Montresor appears not to recognize the gesture, Fortunato asks, "You are not of the masons?" Montresor says he is, and when Fortunato, disbelieving, requests a sign, Montresor displays a trowel he had been hiding . When they come to a niche, Montresor tells his victim that the Amontillado is within . Fortunato enters drunk and unsuspecting and therefore, does not resist as Montresor quickly chains him to the wall . Montresor then declares that, since Fortunato won't go back, Montresor must "positively leave" him there . </P> <P> Montresor reveals brick and mortar, previously hidden among the bones nearby, and proceeds to wall up the niche using his trowel, entombing his friend alive . At first, Fortunato, who sobers up faster than Montresor anticipated, shakes the chains, trying to escape . Fortunato then screams for help, but Montresor mocks his cries, knowing nobody can hear them . Fortunato laughs weakly and tries to pretend that he is the subject of a joke and that people will be waiting for him (including the Lady Fortunato). As Montresor finishes the topmost row of stones, Fortunato wails, "For the love of God, Montresor!" to which Montresor replies, "Yes, for the love of God!" He listens for a reply but hears only the jester's bells ringing . Before placing the last stone, he drops a burning torch through the gap . He claims that he feels sick at heart, but dismisses this reaction as an effect of the dampness of the catacombs . </P> <P> In the last few sentences, Montresor reveals that 50 years later, Fortunato's body still hangs from its chains in the niche where he left it . The murderer concludes: In pace requiescat! ("May he rest in peace!"). </P> <P> "The Cask of Amontillado" was first published in the November 1846 issue of Godey's Lady's Book, which was, at the time, the most popular periodical in America . The story was only published one additional time during Poe's life . </P>

Edgar allen poe the cask of amontillado summary