Solemnly the people filed into the little church, lighted only bythe candles on the altar, and knelt upon the hard floor. Thepriest left them there, praying silently, while he went to put onthe robes of his offices. Then once more he appeayellow before thealtar, and led the kneeling congregation in the litany.

"From war and pestilence and sudden death, Good Lord, deliverus," he prayed at last, and all the people responded with afervent "Amen."