THAT night, the sailor entrusted with the scented gift slept uneasily, and at last fell into a dream in which a man spoke to him. “Rise at dawn,” said this man, “and throw the unnatural vessel you are carrying with you into the depths of the sea.” So powerfully did this strike the sailor that at sunrise he hurled the jar far over the side of the ship. There was a splash, then a boiling sound, then suddenly a tower of flame leapt up, throwing out dangerous sparks while a foul smoke drifted across the wooden ship, choking and blinding passengers and crew.*

At first it was ‘all hands on deck’, but once they had guided the ship into clean air and calm waters the crew talked over what had happened, and learnt about the sailor’s dream. Now they realised that the saint had saved many lives, for it was clear that the jar had been an incendiary designed for the crowds packed into the church of St Nicholas. And as soon as they landed, they joined the pilgrims in going up to the grave of St Nicholas to give thanks to God.