The narrow stairway that led to the upper floor was in good condition, and, when Ned mounted it, he saw rows of narrow little cell-like rooms in which the nuns had slept.

All were bleak and bare, but, from a broken window at the end of the corridor, he looked out upon the San Antonio and the forests of oak and pecan.

He could barely see the river, the night had grown so dark.

The cold rain increased and was lashed against the building by a moaning wind.

Once more Ned shivered, and once more he was glad that they had found the old convent.