ike a
frightened child, I bowed my face and sobbed as I prayed for mercy.

I know not how long I lay unable for either thought or action. But at
last I was upon my knees again, creeping forward to where a black
figure lay at the very edge of the chasm, one arm dangling over the
brink. I drew the inert body back to safety, peering down into the
white face of the priest. My touch seemed to arouse him into
consciousness, his dark eyes staring up into my face. I helped him to
sit up and lean back against the wall. An instant he gazed about
wildly, like one suddenly awakened from sound sleep, then hid his face
in his hands.

"The Puritan--" I questioned--"the man who bore you here--what happened
to him?"

He shuddered, and pointed into the black abyss.

"'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends,'" he quoted solemnly.

"He went down?"

He bowed his head silently, his fingers searching for his crucifix. I
sat staring at him, crushed into helplessness.

In a few moments I felt the pressure of his fingers.

"The Lord hath preserved us as by fire," he said in low, solemn tone,
"He hath ridden upon the flaming skies in his chariot, accompanied by
angels and archangels. 'T is ours to bless His holy name."

I gazed into the rapt, boyish face, and said:

"On my knees have I already acknowledged His mercy. I am not
ungrateful."

The troubled countenance brightened with a quick smile.

"God is most good," he murmured; "He hath spared us that we may
continue to honor Him, and do His work. The woman--does she also live?"

The question brought me instantly to my feet, wondering how I could
have neglected her so long. But before I could advance to where she
lay, she sat partially up, her face turned toward us.

"Eloise," I cried, the heart joy apparent in my voice. "Good God! I
had forgotten."

She held forth her hand, her eyes smiling.

"I hold that not strange," she answered, the soft voice faltering
slightly. "I saw you groping like a blind man, yet could neither move
nor speak. I lay helpless as if paralyzed. Tell me what has happened."

I held her hand, falling upon my knees beside her, my eyes searching
her sweet face.

"A lightning bolt smote the cliff," I explained rapidly, "rending the
solid rock. Master Cairnes was hurled headlong into the chasm, and our
pursuers were swept from the path. The very mouth of the cavern has
been forever sealed."

"Th