“I heard it was done when the building was built,” Mr. Cotton told her. “Years ago, they had burial services in the chapel, and caskets were lowered to the crypt below.”
“How does the lift operate?”
“It’s just a section of flooring that lowers when the machinery is turned on,” the carpenter explained. “With a carpet over the boards, you wouldn’t know it was there.”
“And for what purpose is it to be used now?”
Mr. Cotton had started for the doorway. Penny trailed him to the front porch, eager to learn more.
“I couldn’t figure out what the new owners aim to do with the lift,” the carpenter replied, pausing on the steps. “Reckon they’ll use it to lower heavy luggage and maybe unwanted furniture into the basement for storage.”
“Did you see the crypt?”
“Didn’t get down there. The monk had his own man, a hunchback, oil up the machinery and put it in working order. I only repaired the flooring.”
“So the room is used as a bedroom now?”
“Looked that way to me. Leastwise, I saw a big bed in there. One of them old fashioned contraptions with a lot of dust-catching draperies over it.”