Handsomely carved pillars supported the roof, the floor was well paved, while on either side there were receptacles, not unlike the niches in the Roman catacombs, though for what purpose they were intended was not at first glance so easy to determine.

With hearts that beat tumultuously in their breasts, they hastened to one of them to see what it contained.

The niche in question was filled with strange-looking vessels, some like bowls, and others not unlike crucibles.

The men almost clambered over each other in their excitement to see what they contained.

It was as if their whole existence depended upon it; they could scarcely breathe for excitement.
Every moment's delay was unspeakable agony.