It appeared to be a huge metal box that stood upright. Vernon helped the old man as they tipped the object on its side. The top was open.
Crull and Windsor lifted Harry and carried him to the casket. They pushed him, feet foremost, into the interior.
The box was lifted upright by the four men. Harry was trapped in a narrow space, his head protruding.
“Take the wheel, Birdie,” ordered Isaac Coffran.
Crull went to the back of the casket. There was a small wheel there arranged like a steering wheel — on a vertical plane. The man turned it slightly.
Harry felt the back wall of the casket press against him. Short spikes emerged, and were forced against his back.
“All set,” said Birdie Crull.
“No need to wait for Jerry,” observed Isaac Coffran. “He will arrive before we are finished.”
Despite his predicament, Harry could not help wondering who Jerry might be. He felt positive that they must be referring to the dark-faced man who had captured him several nights before.
Harry felt indifferent to Jerry’s arrival. His former captor had not treated him with much consideration.