Believing without believing, he knew that science was yet so obscure, so full of surprises, that what seemed impossible might always come to pass; and thus, in the declining years of his life, he had contrived to secure an exceptional position at the Grotto, a position which had both its inconveniences and its advantages, but which, taken for all in all, was very comfortable and pleasant.
And now, in reply to a question from the Paris journalist, he began to explain his mode of proceeding.

Each patient who accompanied the pilgrimage arrived provided with papers, amongst which there was almost always a certificate of the doctor who had been attending the case.

At times even there were certificates given by several doctors, hospital bulletins and so forth--quite a record of the illness in its various stages.

And thus if a cure took place and the cured person came forward, it was only necessary to consult his or her set of documents in order to ascertain the nature of the ailment, and then examination would show if that ailment had really disappeared.
Pierre was now listening.

Since he had been there, seated and resting himself, he had grown calmer, and his mind was clear once more.