f of a worn-out Christian. Do not trouble him for alms. If thou
art hungry, here is a trifle to buy bread and fruit.'

'Friend, I am not a beggar; I am he for whom he fought. I must see him.'

'Well, go thy way; thou hast good need to thank him.'

Up the path, through the rows of trees, up to the marble entrance,
noiselessly moved the aged man, and gently tapped at the door.

Chios arose and opened it, saw who was there, and cried:

'Welcome, welcome, good fellow! Come within. Glad am I to see thee safe
and well.'

Judah, full of emotion, staggered rather than walked to a seat, weeping
as if his heart would break, and, looking up through his tears,
exclaimed:

'Chios, blessed art thou! The blessing of one who was ready to perish,
the blessing of one who speaks for his God, the blessing of God, rest
ever on thee!'

Chios spake never a word; his heart was full.

'Speak to me, Chios the Greek; let me hear thy voice.'

'I know not what to say,' replied Chios. 'I reckoned thy life worth a
thousand of mine, and fought that thou mightst live and do work for thy
Master.'

'Chios, neither silver nor gold have I to give thee.'

'I require neither.'

'Good. Nevertheless, thy reward awaits thee; thou wilt receive it later
on. We fight under the same banner; we shall meet in the same celestial
city--the city whose builder is God. The dayspring will glint its glory
over thy pathway, and the lustre of morning will bathe thee in heaven.
The wings of thy spirit, now folded beside thee, shall spread out their
pinions and waft thee o'er oceans of splendour illimitable, urging thee
onward from brightness to brightness, raising thee higher and upward and
higher till thou standest a messenger swift for the Deity, holding
communion with God the Eternal. This is thy destiny. All will be well.
Farewell, noble warrior; thou shalt war for the New Faith. 'Tis rumoured
the Proconsul promises thee a crown for thy valour. Be thou faithful
unto death, and thou shalt receive a crown of life. I have said my
thanks. Good-bye--good-bye, noble Chios! My stay in Ephesus will be
brief, but thou shalt ever remain in my thoughts, and my prayers shall
go forward for my beloved friend.'

* * * * *

Once more Chios was alone.

'What a noble fellow is that old man--prophetic, powerful, good,' he
mused. 'I believe in him. What he says is true. I am altered. A light
steals through me--a river of peace winds kindly t