Question

In "the pit and the pendulum," what kept the man from falling into the pit?

Answer 1

He then begins to traverse the vault, but he slips on the slimy floor and falls. His body hits the floor and he discovers that his head lies on the perimeter of a seemingly bottomless, circular pit. A few steps more and he would have fallen to a horrible death.

Step-by-step explanation:
Cliff notes.