CHAPTER XXII

EQUAL TO AN EMERGENCY


The fiery cross that so awed Christine and her little group of auditors
was to be the closing scene of the evening entertainment. It was of
metal, and by a skilful adjustment of jets was made to appear as if
all aflame. While the others were intent on Christine's words, and
she in the interest of her theme had quite forgotten him, Dennis made
all his arrangements, and at the critical point narrated in the
preceding chapter he turned on the gas with the most startling effect.
It seemed a living, vivid refutation of Christine's words, and even
she turned pale. After a moment, for the emblem to make its full
impression, Dennis stepped out before them all, his face lighted up
by the luminous cross. They admitted that no crusader could look more
earnest and brave than he.

"Miss Ludolph," he said, in a firm, yet respectful tone, "I should
evermore be unworthy of your respect and confidence--what is more, I
should be false to myself, false to my faith--should I remain silent
in view of what I have been compelled to hear. That sacred emblem has
not spent its meaning, or its power. Millions to-day would die for
the sake of Him who suffered on it. Many even of those weak,
inconsistent ones that you have so justly condemned would part with
life rather than with the faint hope that centres there," pointing to
the radiant symbol.