an ugly old hunch-backed creature in a gray cloak , almost human-like in appearance but with boils on its skin , stepped up to the empty cell and opened it . well , it caught fire at half past four this morning . '' when she realized she was staring and not singing , she tried to focus on the hymn . besides , he 's become a very good distraction from the emotions stirring in my chest before he showed up . blake might have made it so but who can say . 