There were thirteen collection chests, thirteen tables, [and] thirteen prostrations in the Temple. [Members] of Rabban Gam-liel’s family and of R’ Chananyah’s family would prostrate themselves fourteen [times]. And where was the extra [prostra-tion]? Opposite the wood chamber; for they had a tradition from their ancestors that the Ark was hidden there.

It once happened that a Kohen who was occupied [at his task] noticed that [a certain stone of] the floor was different from the others. He came to tell his colleague. But before he had concluded the matter his soul departed from him; thus they knew with certainty that the Ark had been hidden there.