Guided by this I crept cautiously along the edge of the roof, aware as I proceeded that Father Petreni, imitating my example, pressed closely behind.
Near the northern extremity of the long building we came to a halt, and, leaning well over the roof edge, I peered anxiously into the enveloping fog.

A deeper density of shadow showed directly in front, which I felt convinced could be caused only by one of those vast spars around which canvas had been rolled, as noted that afternoon from the ship's deck.

Vainly endeavoring to pierce the thick mist, I distinguished the steady tramping of some one pacing far beneath us.
The sound came from farther out in the stream, where I might reasonably suppose the stern of the vessel to lie.

I drew back, and placed my lips close to the priest's ear.
"Can you distinguish any outline yonder ?" I queried eagerly, pointing as I spoke, and feeling fearful lest my eyes had been deceived by fleeting night shadows.
Resting upon his breast, one hand shading his eyes, he peered long in the direction indicated before venturing to reply.
"There is a shade of something yonder," he admitted at last.

"It rises a trifle above us, and almost directly out from this edge.