"You spoke just now of what Christ would have
said----" Montanelli began slowly; but Arthur
interrupted him:

"Christ said: 'He that loseth his life for my
sake shall find it.'"

Montanelli leaned his arm against a branch, and
shaded his eyes with one hand.

"Sit down a moment, my son," he said at
last.

Arthur sat down, and the Padre took both his
hands in a strong and steady clasp.

"I cannot argue with you to-night," he said;
"this has come upon me so suddenly--I had not
thought--I must have time to think it over.
Later on we will talk more definitely. But, for
just now, I want you to remember one thing. If
you get into trouble over this, if you--die, you
will break my heart."

"Padre----"

"No; let me finish what I have to say. I told
you once that I have no one in the world but you.
I think you do not fully understand what that