ethargy, that oblivion, rather than sleep, which
comes to souls which have felt till they can feel no longer.

Just at dark some one touched him, and asked sternly, "Art thou drunk,
Jan Vedder, to-day? To-day, when thy wife is dying?"

"It is with sorrow I am drunk." Then he opened his eyes and saw the
minister standing over him. Slowly he rose to his feet, and stood
stunned and trembling before him.

"Jan! Go to thy wife. She is very ill. At the last she may want thee
and only thee."

"They will not let me see her. Do thou speak to Peter Fae for me."

"Hast thou not seen her--or thy son?"

"I have not been within the door. Oh, do thou speak for me!"

"Come with me."

Together they went back to Peter's house. The door was locked, and the
minister knocked. "Who is there?"

"It is I, and Jan Vedder. Peter, unbolt the door."

"Thou art God's minister and ever welcome; but I will not let Jan
Vedder cross my door-stone."

"Thou wilt let us both in. Indeed thou wilt. I am amazed at thee,
Peter. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Art thou
going to strive against God? I say to thee, unbolt the door, unbolt it
quick, lest thou be too late. If thou suffer not mercy to pass through
it, I tell thee there are those who will pass through it, the door
being shut."

Then Peter drew the bolt and set the door wide, but his face was hard
as iron, and black as midnight.

"Jan," said the minister, "thy wife and child are in the next room. Go
and see them, it will be good for thee. Peter, well may the Lord
Christ say, 'I come as a thief in the night'; and be sure of this, he
will break down the bars and burst open the doors of those who rise
not willingly to let him in."

In Shetland at that day, and indeed at the present day, the minister
has almost a papal authority. Peter took the reproof in silence.
Doctor Balloch was, however, a man who in any circumstances would have
had influence and authority among those brought in contact with him,
for though he spared not the rod in the way of his ministry, he was in
all minor matters full of gentleness and human kindness. Old and young
had long ago made their hearts over to him. Besides, his great
learning and his acquaintance with the tongues of antiquity were
regarded as a great credit to the town.

While Jan was in his wife's presence, Doctor Balloch stood silent,
looking into the fire: Peter gazed out of the window. Neither spoke
until Jan returned. Then