Part 49 (1/2)

”Forgive? It is I who ought to ask for your forgiveness, and perhaps if I told you everything----”

”There is something else. Listen! The Almighty is calling me; I have no time to lose.”

”But you are so cold, brother! Lie on the bed, and I'll cover you with the bedclothes. Oh, never fear; they sha'n't separate us again. If the Father were at home--he is so good and tender-hearted--but no matter.

There, there!”

”You will despise and hate me--you who are so holy and brave, and have given up everything and conquered the world, and even triumphed over love itself!”

”Don't say that, brother.”

”It's true, isn't it? Everybody knows what a holy life you live.”

”Hus.h.!.+”

”But I have never lived the religious life at all, and I only came to it as a refuge from the law and the gallows; and if the Father hadn't----”

”Another time, brother.”

”Yes, the story I told the police was true, and I had really----”

”Hush, brother, hus.h.!.+ I won't hear you. What you are saying is for G.o.d's ear only, and, whatever you have done, G.o.d will judge your soul in mercy. We have only to ask him----”

”Quick, then; the last sands are running out!” and he strove to rise and kneel.

”Lie still, brother: G.o.d will accept the humiliation of your soul.”

”No, no, let me up; let me kneel beside you. The prayer for the dying--say it with me, Brother Storm; let us say it together. 'O Lord, save----'”

_”'O Lord, save thy servant,

”'Which putteth his trust in thee.

”'Send him help from thy holy place.

”'And ... evermore ... mightily defend him.

”'Let the enemy have no advantage over him.

”'Nor the ... wicked----

”'Be unto him, O Lord, a strong tower.

”'From the----

”'O Lord, hear our prayers.

”'And----'”_

”Paul! Paul! Speak to me! Speak! Don't leave me! We shall console and support each other. You shall come to me, I will go to you. No matter about the religious life. One word! My lad, my lad!”

But Brother Paul had gone. The captured eagle with the broken wing had slipped its chain at last.