filth, leave your body far behind; otherwise you shall be consumed;
for God--God is Light!"

Just as Doctor Sigier spoke these grand words, his face radiant, his
hand uplifted, a sunbeam pierced through an open window, like a magic
jet from a fount of splendor, a long triangular shaft of gold that lay
like a scarf over the whole assembly. They all clapped their hands,
for the audience accepted this effect of the sinking sun as a miracle.
There was a universal cry of:

"_Vivant_! _Vivant_!"

The very sky seemed to shed approval. Godefroid, struck with
reverence, looked from the old man to Doctor Sigier; they were talking
together in an undertone.

"All honor to the Master!" said the stranger.

"What is such transient honor?" replied Sigier.

"I would I could perpetuate my gratitude," said the older man.

"A line written by you is enough!" said the Doctor. "It would give me
immortality, humanly speaking."

"Can I give what I have not?" cried the elder.

Escorted by the crowd, which followed in their footsteps, like
courtiers round a king, at a respectful distance, Godefroid, with the
old man and the Doctor, made their way to the oozy shore, where as yet