The memory of recent events was, for a time, effaced by my visionary
horrors. I was conscious of transition from one state of being to
another; but my imagination was still filled with images of danger. The
bottomless gulf and my gigantic persecutors were still dreaded. I looked
up with eagerness. Beside me I discovered three figures, whose character
or office was explained by a coffin of pine boards which lay upon the
floor. One stood with hammer and nails in his hand, as ready to replace
and fasten the lid of the coffin as soon as its burden should be
received.

I attempted to rise from the floor, but my head was dizzy and my sight
confused. Perceiving me revive, one of the men assisted me to regain my
feet. The mist and confusion presently vanished, so as to allow me to
stand unsupported and to move. I once more gazed at my attendants, and
recognised the three men whom I had met in High Street, and whose
conversation I have mentioned that I overheard. I looked again upon the
coffin. A wavering recollection of the incidents that led me hither, and
of the stunning blow which I had received, occurred to me. I saw into
what error appearances had misled these men, and shuddered to reflect by
what hairbreadth means I had escaped being buried alive.

Before the men had time to interrogate me, or to comment upon my
situation, one entered the apartment, whose habit and mien tended to
encourage me. The stranger was characterized by an aspect full of
composure and benignity, a face in which the serious lines of age were
blended with the ruddiness and smoothness of youth, and a garb that
bespoke that religious profession with whose benevolent doctrines the
example of Hadwin had rendered me familiar.