I abandoned the drawer and gave my attention to the cupboard above.

It was locked, but the key was there.

It opened, and my candle reflected a blaze on gold and silver vessels, consecrated chalices; a dazzling monstra, and several richly-carved ciboria of solid gold, set with precious stones.

But in a corner I espied a dark-brown, gourd-shaped object.

It was a skin of wine, and, with a half-suppressed cry of joy, I seized it.