I plucked one of the candles from its socket, and hastening down the church, I lighted it from one of the burning tapers of the bier.

Screening it with my hand, I retraced my steps and regained the chancel.

Then turning to the left, I made for a door that I knew should give access to the sacristy.

It yielded to my touch, and I passed down a short stone-flagged passage, and entered the spacious chamber beyond.

An oak settle was placed against one wall, and above it hung an enormous, rudely-carved crucifix.