was in the monk a certain gentleness that reassured the most timid
animals and that pleased these penguins extremely. With a friendly
curiosity they turned towards him their little round eyes lengthened in
front by a white oval spot that gave something odd and human to their
appearance.

Touched by their attention, the holy man taught them the Gospel.

"Inhabitants of this island, the earthly day that has just risen over
your rocks is the image of the heavenly day that rises in your souls.
For I bring you the inner light; I bring you the light and heat of the
soul. Just as the sun melts the ice of your mountains so Jesus Christ
will melt the ice of your hearts."

Thus the old man spoke. As everywhere throughout nature voice calls
to voice, as all which breathes in the light of day loves alternate
strains, these penguins answered the old man by the sounds of their
throats. And their voices were soft, for it was the season of their
loves.

The holy man, persuaded that they belonged to some idolatrous people and
that in their own language they gave adherence to the Christian faith,
invited them to receive baptism.

"I think," said he to them, "that you bathe often, for all the hollows
of the rocks are full of pure water, and as I came to your assembly I
saw several of you plunging into these natural baths. Now purity of body
is the image of spiritual purity."

And he taught them the origin, the nature, and the effects of baptism.