"They say hell is paved with good intentions — or
lost opportunities," muttered Marzio. " I will send
Paolo with the next opportunity to help in the
paving.''



186 maezio's CRUCIFIX: chap., yi ii

He laughed softly at Lis grim joke, and bent lower
over the crucifix. By this time lie had determined
what to do, for his reflections had not interfered with
his occupation. Removing two tiny silver screws
which fitted with the utmost exactness in the threads,
he loosened the figure from the cross, removed the
latter to a shelf on the wall, and returning laid the
statue on a soft leathern pad, surrounding it with
sand-bags till it was propped securely in the position
he required. Then he took a very small chisel, ad-
justed it with the greatest care, and tapped upon it
with the round wooden handle of his little hammer.
