The belfry has no bell, and the windows are unglazed, so that the breezes blow at will through the deserted building.
Our riders found a dozen or more horses tethered at the foot of the tree and watched by a few Wallachian lads, who were muffled in fur coats against the approach of the storm.

The beech furnished a good shelter: lightning could not strike it, as it was the "Priest's Tree." Leaving his horse in charge of his attendant, he of the silver buttons hastened on to the church door, where an armed sentry demanded his name.
"Diurbanu," was the reply, whereupon he was admitted.
The interior of the church was very dark.

Two wax tapers, indeed, burned on the altar, but they flickered and flared so in the wind as to furnish a very insufficient light.

The thunder-clouds without, however, were now rent with frequent flashes of lightning, which served to illumine the scene within.

About a dozen men were assembled there, sitting on the benches that had once been occupied by worshippers, some wearing the costume of the country, while others were dressed in military uniform.
Before them, with his back to the altar, sat a man of commanding appearance, attired in a clerical gown with long, flowing sleeves.