e first place. Look me in the face--for how great a sinner
now do you take me? Think the very worst of me, and yet perhaps you will
hear worse said of me. But here come two men. Stay! one is Hilarion, one
of the bishop's acolytes, and the other is Pachomius the Memphite, who
lately came to the mountain. They are coming up here, and the Egyptian is
carrying a small jar. I would it might hold some more wine to keep up
your strength."

The two friends had not long to remain in ignorance of their visitor's
purpose. So soon as they reached Stephanus' cave, both turned their backs
on Paulus with conspicuously marked intention; nay the acolyte signed his
brow with the cross, as if he thought it necessary to protect himself
against evil influences.

The Alexandrian understood; he drew back and was silent, while Hilarion
explained to the sick man that Paulus was guilty of grave sins, and that,
until he had done full penance, he must remain excluded as a rotten sheep
from the bishop's flock, as well as interdicted from waiting on a pious
Christian.

"We know from Petrus," the speaker went on, "that your son, father, has
been sent across the sea, and as you still need waiting on, Agapitus
sends you by me his blessing and this strengthening wine; this youth too
will stay by you, and provide you with all necessaries until Hermas comes
home."

With these words he gave the wine-jar to the old man, who looked in
astonishment from him to Paulus, who felt indeed cut to the heart when
the bishop's messenger turned to him for an instant, and with the cry,
"Get thee out from among us!" disappeared. How many kindly ties, how many
services willingly rendered and affectionately accepted were swept away
by these words--but Paulus obeyed at once. He went up to his sick friend,
their eyes met and each could see that the eyes of the other were dimmed
with tears.

"Paulus!" cried the old man, stretching out both his hands to his
departing friend, whom he felt he could forgive whatever his guilt; but
the Alexandrian did not take them, but turned away, and, without looking
back, hastily went up the mountain to a pathless spot, and then on
towards the valley--onwards and still onwards, till he was brought to a
pause by the steep declivity of the hollow way which led southwards from
the mountains into the oasis.

The sun stood high and it was burning hot. Streaming with sweat and
panting for breath he leaned against the glowing porphyry wall beh