in fact, he wondered if it would be his last of office, even as he
often wondered if he might not have to seal his testimony as a
God-inspired editor, with his blood, his life.

Already, all who, like himself, would live Godly, had to suffer bitter
persecution. Many of the Godly had been found mysteriously murdered,
and always the murders had been passed over by those who were in
authority.

Ralph was on the point of leaving his office for luncheon, (he always
lunched in the city,) when a visitor was announced.

"Rabbi Cohen, to see you, sir," announced Charley.

"Show him in at once," replied Ralph, and rising to his feet he went to
the door to meet his friend.

The Rabbi entered with a little eager run, and the two men grasped
hands heartily, their respective faces glowing with the gladness they
each felt.

As it had been with Tom Hammond and that other Cohen, the Jew, who had
shared in the translation of the Church, so with the Rabbi who was now
visiting Ralph, he had been drawn to call upon Ralph, in the first
place, because of his editorial espousal of the Jewish people and their
interests.

Between Ralph and the Rabbi, there had grown up a very strong
friendship, and though for some weeks, they had not met, each knew that
the other's friendship was as ever.

After a few ordinary exchanges between the pair, the Rabbi, suddenly
looked up eagerly, saying:

"I have come to say good-bye, to you, my friend, unless, by any
fortunate chance, I can persuade you to accompany me, or, at least,
follow me soon."

"Good-bye, Cohen?" cried Ralph, "Why--what--where are you going?"

"To Jerusalem, Bastin!" There was a curious ring of mixed pride and
gladness in the manner of his saying "Jerusalem."

"You know," he went on, "that we Cohens are the descendents of Aaron,
that we are of the priestly line. I am the head of our family, and my
people have chosen me as the _first_ High priest for our new Temple
worship."

Brimming with his subject, he spoke rapidly, enthusiastically: "The
Temple is to be formally opened on the tenth of September. The
tradition among my people, and handed down to us in many of our
writings is this, that the Great Temple of Solomon--opened in the
seventh month, as all our scriptures, yours as well as ours, say--was
dedicated and opened on a day corresponding with the modern tenth of
September. Our new Temple will be opened on the tenth of this month."

On entering the room he had la