Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/52

 was forgotten in this humble assembly. They were all, by God's grace, members of one family, brethren in very truth.

The watchman who was stationed without brought in the cheering announcement that all was well. The crowd had gathered simply to witness the execution of Hendricks. The audience dispersed with caution through a trap-door at the rear of the cellar, while others mounted the staircase and walked out boldly at the front entrance.

Soon Francis Junius and Hugo Berlaymont were left practically alone. The hairdresser and a young man of distinguished appearance were conversing in low-tones some distance away.

“My son,” said Junius, turning to the glowing face upturned to his, “what path in life is marked out for you?”

“I am to be a courtier.”

“Could you choose, what would you be?”

“Pastor Junius,” said Hugo in a broken voice, “I would be altogether such as you are. There is no grander vocation than to preach God's word and to save souls.”

“May God grant thee the desire of thy heart, boy, and make of thee a stronger and fairer pillar in His temple than Junius. Every one is privileged to do some work in the Master's vineyard. The opportunity to serve God may not come in the line of thy desire, but nevertheless it will come.