Thirlby and Leonard exchanged sad and significant looks, but neither of them went back to see what had happened to her.

The watchman shook his head, and setting the barrow in motion, proceeded along a narrow footpath across the fields.

Remarking that he did not take the direct road to the plague-pit, Leonard called to him, and pointed out the corner in which it lay.
"I know where the old plague-pit is, as well as you," replied the watchman, "but it has been filled these three weeks.

The new pit lies in this direction." So saying, he pursued his course, and they presently entered a field, in the middle of which lay the plague-pit, as was evident from the immense mound of clay thrown out of the excavation.
"That pit is neither so deep nor so wide as the old one," said the watchman, "and if the plague goes on at this rate, they will soon have to dig another--that is, if any one should be left alive to undertake the job." And chuckling as if he had said a good thing, he impelled his barrow forward more quickly.

A few seconds brought them near the horrible chasm.