The Statue was removed from its Pedestal, though how I knew not.

The Nuns afterwards raised an iron grate till then concealed by the Image, and let it fall on the other side with a loud crash.

The awful sound, repeated by the vaults above, and Caverns below me, rouzed me from the despondent apathy in which I had been plunged.

I looked before me: An abyss presented itself to my affrighted eyes, and a steep and narrow Staircase, whither my Conductors were leading me.

I shrieked, and started back.