Everything went well for some time. Then there was a change; no matter how hard everyone worked, the building did not progress. During the night most of the day's work appeared to be undone. Pillars would yield; walls would tumble; and the masons would have to do things over and over again. No one could understand what was wrong, although everyone as trying hard. For three long years Manole and his nine men worked feverishly hoping that their efforts would bear fruit.