t is a farrago of absurdity. If I
were the person described there, why should I have sought you with
what you call a lie of 'sentimental passion,' when I could have claimed
protection openly with my SISTER PATRIOT," he added, with a bitter
laugh.

"Because you did not know THEN the sympathy of the people nor the
decision of the Council," said the priest.

"But I know it NOW, and I refuse to accept it."

"You refuse--to--to accept it?" echoed the priest.

"I do." He walked towards the door. "Before I go, let me thank you for
the few hours' rest and security that you have given to one who may be a
cursed man, yet is no impostor. But I do not blame you for doubting one
who talks like a desperate man, yet lacks the courage of desperation.
Good-by!"

"Where are you going?"

"What matters? There is a safer protection and security to be found than
even that offered by the Council of Todos Santos."

His eyes were averted, but not before the priest had seen them glaze
again with the same gloomy absorption that had horrified him in the
church the evening before. Father Esteban stepped forward and placed his
soft hand on Hurlstone's shoulder.

"Look at me. Don't turn your face aside, but hear me; for I believe your
story."

Without raising his eyes, the young man lifted Father Esteban's hand
from his shoulder, pressed it lightly, and put it quietly aside.

"I thank you," he said, "for keeping at least that unstained memory of
me. But it matters little now. Good-by!"

He had his hand upon the door, but the priest again withheld him.

"When I tell you I believe your story, it is only to tell you more. I
believe that God has directed your wayward, wandering feet here to
His house, that you may lay down the burden of your weak and suffering
manhood before His altar, and become once more a child of His. I stand
here to offer you, not a refuge of a day or a night, but for all
time; not a hiding-place from man or woman, but from yourself, my
son--yourself, your weak and mortal self, more fatal to you than all.
I stand here to open for you not only the door of this humble cell, but
that of His yonder blessed mansion. You shall share my life with me; you
shall be one of my disciples; you shall help me strive for other souls
as I have striven for yours; the protection of the Church, which is
all-powerful, shall be around you if you wish to be known; you shall
hide yourself in its mysteries if you wish to be forgotten. You sha