The narrator, a young man from the old Montresor family, meekly suffers thousands of grievances from Fortunato, but when he insults, the narrator decides to take revenge.

I had to not only punish, but punish with impunity. Resentment is not avenged if the avenger overtakes retribution. She is not avenged even if the offender does not find out whose hand brought punishment on him.

Fortunato has a weakness - he considers himself a connoisseur of wines and really well versed in them.

One evening, at dusk, when carnival madness rages in the city, the narrator meets his friend. Fortunato in a Harlequin costume has already managed to drink pretty much and is in a good mood. The narrator says that he has a whole barrel of amontillado, which immediately attracts Fortunato's attention. The wine lover is determined to try the drink and make its own verdict.

Together they are sent to the palazzo to the narrator. Nobody meets them there, since all the servants are at the carnival. Going down to the basement, they go to the trap prepared for Fortunato. The narrator reminds a friend that on his family coat of arms is “Big human leg, golden, on the azure field. She tramples on a wriggling snake that stings her on the heel ", and the motto of their kind is" No one will offend me with impunity. "

Approaching a distant small room, the narrator lures Fortunato there and quickly rivets him to granite with pre-prepared chains. Then the young man proceeds to the final stage of his revenge. Enjoying the torment and fear of Fortunato, he blocks his former friend into the wall.

I touched the massive wall of the catacomb with my hand and felt deep satisfaction. I again approached the wall and answered with a cry to the cry of a prisoner.

The unfortunate victim is trying to escape, screaming, but these attempts are in vain. When the last stone remains, Fortunato tries to translate everything as a joke. The narrator plays along with him, but suddenly the laughter ceases, and the victim is no longer able to answer.

Half a century has passed since then, and no mortal's hand touches that masonry.