As he worked, he was most careful to stamp down the earth which he had moved, scattering over it the sand, of which there was an abundance in the corners of the room, to obliterate all traces of his work.
When breakfast time approached he ceased for a while, but after the meal had been taken, he recommenced the task.

He met with little success till he reached the door, but here he was more fortunate.

A short distance below the surface were a number of pieces of stone of various sizes, which, he had no doubt, had been cut from the blocks to allow for the fixing of the lintel and doorpost.

He chose half a dozen pieces of the handiest sizes, each having a flat surface.

Then replacing the earth carefully, he took one of the pieces in his hand, and moistening it with water, set to work.
He made little progress.