Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/30

 occurred to Junius in the far greater question of the lad's eternal happiness or misery. That he might test his companion's strength of character, he hazarded another argument.

“My boy, the religion you seek is banned and persecuted. You can learn about it only by stealth, Are you capable of keeping inviolate a weighty secret?”

“I am,” was the fearless reply. Looking into the earnest face of the youth, the preacher's last, lingering objection was silenced.

“The finger of God is in this request,” he said devoutly. “I may not deny my Master's message to any sincere seeker. Come to-night to the shop of the hairdresser, Monsieur Le Févre, where I shall preach the Word to the brethren. The password is ‘Fidelity.’ I trust you implicitly. Having saved your life, I know that you will not deliver me into the hands of the Inquisition.” With a kind smile, Junius held out his hand in farewell.

“You can trust me, Seigneur,” cried Hugo, “I will never betray you.”