I took a candle and examined the roll and then I saw why it was fast.

The spices had congealed and glued it to the sack-like shroud.

It was impossible to get it away without tearing the outer sheets of papyrus.[*] [*] This accounts for the gaps in the last sheets of the second roll.

--Editor.
"At last, however, I wrenched it loose and put it with the other in my pocket.
"Then we went on with our dreadful task in silence.

With much care we ripped loose the sack-like garment, and at last the body of a man lay before us.