An hour later and they stood on the edge of that dreadful place, hearingand seeing things which are best left untold. A priest came up to them,one of those good men who, caring nothing for themselves, still dared tocelebrate the last rites of the Church above the poor departed.
"Friends," he said, "you seem to be in trouble. Can I help you, forJesus' sake?"
"Perchance, holy Father," answered Hugh. "Tell us, you who watch thisdreadful place, was a woman wrapped in a red cloak thrown in here two orthree days gone?"
"Alas, yes," said the priest with a sigh, "for I read the Office overher and others. Nay, what are you about to do? By now she is two fathomsdeep and burned away with lime so that none could know her. If youenter there the guards will not let you thence living. Moreover, it isuseless. Pray to God to comfort you, poor man, as I will, who am sure itwill not be denied."
Then Dick led, or rather carried, Hugh from the brink of that awesome,common grave.