He approached the temple.

As he went forward the light retired, and, when he put his feet within the apartment, utterly vanished.

The suddenness of this transition increased the darkness that succeeded in a tenfold degree.

Fear and wonder rendered him powerless.

An occurrence like this, in a place assigned to devotion, was adapted to intimidate the stoutest heart.
His wandering thoughts were recalled by the groans of one near him.
His sight gradually recovered its power, and he was able to discern my father stretched on the floor.