What more truly a shelter than a church! It had been a sanctuary in the dark ages, and he might use it now as such.
He left the trees and stood for a little while by a stone, one of the 124 which formerly enclosed an atrium.

Still seeing nothing and hearing nothing but the whistle of the wind which drove the cold drops of snow under his collar he advanced boldly again, sprang over the iron railing, and came to the walls of the old church, where he stood a moment.
Ned knew that in great Catholic cathedrals, like the one of Mexico, there were always side doors or little wickets used by priests or other high officials of the church, and he was hoping to find one that he could open.

He passed half way around the building, feeling cautiously along the cold stone.

Once he saw a watchman with sombrero, heavy cloak and lantern.

He pressed into a niche, and the watchman went on his automatic way, little thinking that anyone was near.
The boy continued his circuit and presently he found a wooden door, which he could not force.