rob any one of
such a thing as that? It is a prize that only a fool would think of
taking. Besides, the young man parted with it of his own free will.
He bargained with me cleverly. I promised him wealth and pleasure
and fame. What did he give in return? An empty name, which was a
burden--"

"Servant of demons, be still!" The voice of John rang clear, like a
trumpet, through the hall. "There is a name which none shall dare to
take in vain. There is a name which none can lose without being
lost. There is a name at which the devils tremble. Depart quickly,
before I speak it!"

Marcion had shrunk into the shadow of one of the pillars. A bright
lamp near him tottered on its pedestal and fell with a crash. In the
confusion he vanished, as noiselessly as a shade.

John turned to Hermas, and his tone softened as he said: "My son,
you have sinned deeper than you know. The word with which you parted
so lightly is the key-word of all life and joy and peace. Without it
the world has no meaning, and existence no rest, and death no
refuge. It is the word that purifies love, and comforts grief, and
keeps hope alive forever. It is the most precious thing that ever
ear has heard, or mind has known, or heart has conceived. It is the
name of Him who has given us life and breath and all things richly
to enjoy; the name of Him who, though we may forget Him, never
forgets us; the name of Him who pities us as you pity your suffering
child; the name of Him who, though we wander far from Him, seeks us
in the wilderness, and sent His Son, even as His Son has sent me
this night, to breathe again that forgotten name in the heart that
is perishing without it. Listen, my son, listen with all your soul
to the blessed name of God our Father."

The cold agony in the breast of Hermas dissolved like a fragment of
ice that melts in the summer sea. A sense of sweet release spread
through him from head to foot. The lost was found. The dew of a
divine peace fell on his parched soul, and the withering flower of
human love lifted its head again. The light of a new hope shone on
his face. He stood upright, and lifted his hands high toward heaven.

"Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord! O my God, be
merciful to me, for my soul trusteth in Thee. My God, Thou hast
given; take not Thy gift away from me, O my God! Spare the life of
this my child, O Thou God, my Father, my Father!"

A deep hush followed the cry. "Listen!" whispered Athenais,
bre