Then the wicks were let down into tin molds, each of which ended in a little inverted cone with a hole through its point.

We carefully worked the wick ends through these perforations and drew them tight.

When the mold was ready we poured in the melted tallow, which hardened in a few minutes.

Later, by pulling the wooden rods, we loosened the candles and drew them out of the molds.

They were as smooth and white as polished alabaster.