ELINA (by the window). The horsemen have reached the gate——

(Hands him the lantern.)

NILS LYKKE. Well, now I go——

(Begins to descend.)

ELINA. Go forward along the passage till you reach the coffin
with the death's-head and the black cross; it is Lucia's——

NILS LYKKE (climbs back hastily and shuts the trap-door to).
Lucia's! Pah——!

ELINA. What said you?

NILS LYKKE. Nay, nought. It was the scent of the grave that made me dizzy.

ELINA. Hark; they are hammering at the gate!

NILS LYKKE (lets the lantern fall). Ah! too late——!