However that may be, there he was this day, wishing perhaps to show a favour to the parson who had written the verses for David's headstone.

He took no notice of anyone, nor exchanged greetings with those that came in, as was the fashion in Moonfleet Church, but kept his eyes fixed on a prayer-book which he held in his hand, though he could not be following the minister, for he never turned the leaf.
The church was so damp from the floods, that Master Ratsey had put a fire in the brazier which stood at the back, but was not commonly lighted till the winter had fairly begun.

We boys sat as close to the brazier as we could, for the wet cold struck up from the flags, and besides that, we were so far from the clergyman, and so well screened by the oak backs, that we could bake an apple or roast a chestnut without much fear of being caught.

But that morning there was something else to take off our thoughts; for before the service was well begun, we became aware of a strange noise under the church.

The first time it came was just as Mr.
Glennie was finishing 'Dearly Beloved', and we heard it again before the second lesson.