and forget not the aged man who promises to reveal
the truth to thee. Farewell!'

And as the stranger moved slowly away with downcast head and thoughtful
mien, Chios felt as if a thick darkness surrounded him. Even Saronia
faded from his mind before the burning words of that man. Chios
perceived that the new teacher possessed immense spiritual and
intellectual power, and felt his own weakness. He knew the sayings he
had heard were but the outriders of a mighty army; that, in fact, this
man had treated him as if he were a child. Who could he be? And whence
came the great storehouse of wisdom which lay behind that impressive
brow? From whence came the influence with which he spoke? His voice was
low, but every word struck home and flashed forth strong conviction. Was
he a god in disguise? Was he one of the gods come down to witness the
festivities of the great goddess Diana?

'No, no; I believe not those vain imaginings. I will wait and wish for
the time to meet again this great spirit. I will sit at his feet and
learn, and perchance receive light and perhaps rest. Certainly I require
it. Creed of my own I have not, or believe not what I have. Saronia's
love can never be mine. Truth and love I must obtain. Truth this man
offers me, and a promise of love from the God of Love. If thus it comes
to pass, I will live well and move onward to the great Dream City, and
stand upon the diamond floorway which leads to the altar steps of the
Father God.'

* * * * *

By this time the great procession had moved around the south of Mount
Pion, and was returning towards the Temple by way of the Serapion.

Slowly it went with majestic tread, passing by the harbour, and sailors
on the ships bowed down in lowly adoration.

CHAPTER XIII

CHIOS THE GREEK

Day after day passed in festive manner until half the Month of Joy had
sped, still Chios had not heard from the wise man. Where was he? Had he
forgotten his promise? Was it all a dream? or was it, as he thought, a
visitation from heaven, one of the gods on earth? Neither. He was
confident he had met a human being, a man more powerful than any he had
ever met before. There was but one other spirit like him, and that one
dwelt in the form of a woman, and her name was Saronia.

To Chios both spirits appeared of the highest order, showing different
phases, both giants in their faiths; one he loved