When he reached the top he slid down on the other side, as though he were descending the scarp of a fortification, and reached the flooring of the church, which was almost wholly composed of mortuary stones.
The choir was empty, thanks to a rood-screen which protected it on one side, and also to the walls which inclosed it to right and left.
The door of the screen was open and Roland entered the choir without difficulty.

He came face to face with the monument of Philippe le Beau.
At the head of the tomb was a large square flagstone.

It covered the steps which led to the burial vaults.
Roland must have known the way, for as soon as he reached the stone he knelt down and felt with his hand for the edge of it.

When he found it he stood up, inserted his lever and raised the slab.

With one hand he held it up while he went down the steps.