e soil of the world? And what is red the color of the
toiler since those flaming deities, Ceres and Minerva, first presided
over their destinies? Who first gave homage to the crimson of the
rising sun? Kath it not ever been he who labors? Whose strength
bringeth forth the wheat and wine that maketh the red blood of mankind?
Cometh it not of the toiler? Is it not told in ancient song that those
of white robes dwell on thrones of gold in Mount Olympus while their
vaulted dome doth rest on the shoulders of the slaves and humble, whose
red robes have grown dun and murk and brown with soil and toil? Verily
there are blood makers and devourers of that blood. Thy father, Jael
the fisherman, didst know that the way of hope is the way of
Brotherhood. So did he bind himself with others. The hand of Rome
destroyed him. Yet the way of Brotherhood liveth."

A woman had entered the room as he spoke. She hastily put some cups on
the table and then, in a voice vibrant with gladness, she repeated the
words, "The way of Brotherhood," and lifting her hands high, palms
upward, exclaimed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord!"

All eyes were turned to her. A beautiful woman she was about whose
face, which shone as if fresh from a glory bath, silvery threads shone
like a dim halo. Her fine dark eyes were lit with radiant brightness.

"James," she said addressing the master of the abode, "canst thou not
see--canst thou not hear thy brother as he read from the Word when
first he taught? Hear him; 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon _me_. He
hath anointed _me_ to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent _me_
to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to captives, to set
at liberty them that are bruised.' Hath not the Spirit of the Lord
been upon him as he doth teach the way of Brotherhood and pray that
this kingdom may come on earth? Yet he hath not spoken of a red
banner."

"The kingdom he would set up," said a man of gentle voice and spiritual
countenance who had not yet spoken, "cometh not with swords and
banners, for hath he not said 'They that lift the sword shall perish by
the sword?' There is a better way of Brotherhood. It cometh by the
law that he doth teach."

"And what is the law of this, thy teacher that would bring
Brotherhood?" and there was interest in the voice of the _kurios_ as he
asked the question.

"There is but one law. On it hangeth all law and all prophecy. Verily
a new law it is so that no m