ned
away and bade him follow. Without more ceremony Vergilius walked
behind him through narrow streets, wholly unfamiliar, and presently
descending a stairway, came into a dark passage. They halted, after a
few paces, whereupon a loud rap startled the new-comer. Soon he could
hear a door open. The stranger, taking his hand, led him into some
dark place. It was all very strange, and like tales long familiar,
relating to the city of mysteries. Standing there in the dark and
silence, he had some misgivings which gave way when a voice addressed
him as follows:

"You are now in the council-chamber of the Covenant. We meet in
darkness, so that no shape or form or image may turn our thought from
the contemplation of him who is most high and who hath his dwelling in
black darkness. Moreover, those who are not seen shall have neither
vanity nor the will to deceive. Would you share in our deliberations?"

Vergilius answered yes, and one of the council then took his hand and
administered the oath of secrecy, and led him to what seemed to be a
large divan, where he sat, shoulder to shoulder, between other members
of the council. He listened long to the casuistry of learned men
touching prayer, atonement, and sacrifice. It led at last to some
discussion of the new king.

"Is there one here can tell me where and when he shall be born?" was
the query of Vergilius.

"We believe the Messiah is already born," said a councillor.
"Moreover, some here have beheld his face."

"And where, then, does he dwell?" Vergilius inquired.

"That you shall know some day. At the next meeting of the council it
may be told. We wait only for the fulness of time. He dwells in a
distant city, and not long ago I spoke with him. He sent his love and
greeting to every member of our council. He bids you wait his time,
when all your prayers shall be answered."

"Shall there be signs of his coming?" So spoke Vergilius.

"There shall be signs, and you shall hear of them in this chamber."

"And what shall be the aim of the king?"

"To establish the reign of justice."

Vergilius queried much regarding the government of the new king, and
got replies adding more to his curiosity than to his knowledge.

It was near the middle hour of the night when a voice announced: "The
keeper of the new door will now leave the council."

Vergilius heard a stir coming near him in the darkness. Hands were
laid upon him, and, presently, one took his arm