"That was only last Sunday," said the stranger.

There was silence again for some seconds.

Then Peter said, "Well, anyhow, at least he didn't die!"

The stranger crossed his hands upon his knees. "Peter Simon Halket," he
said, "it is easier for a man to die than to stand alone. He who can stand
alone can, also, when the need be, die."

Peter looked up wistfully into the stranger's face. "I should not like to
die myself," he said, "not yet. I shall not be twenty-one till next
birthday. I should like to see life first."

The stranger made no answer.

Presently Peter said, "Are all the men of your company poor men?"

The stranger waited a while before he answered; then he said,--"There have
been rich men who have desired to join us. There was a young man once; and
when he heard the conditions, he went away sorrowful, for he had great
possessions."

There was silence again for a while.

"Is it long since your company was started?" asked Peter.

"There is no man living who can conceive of its age," said the stranger.
"Even here on this earth it began, when these hills were young, and these