He once more attempted to move it, and succeeded without much exertion.
He placed it upon the ground, and then perceived the Pedestal to be hollow, and covered at the opening with an heavy iron grate.
This excited such general curiosity that the Sisters forgot both their real and imaginary dangers.

Lorenzo proceeded to raise the Grate, in which the Nuns assisted him to the utmost of their strength.

The attempt was accomplished with little difficulty.

A deep abyss now presented itself before them, whose thick obscurity the eye strove in vain to pierce.

The rays of the Lamp were too feeble to be of much assistance.