Stood, on this November evening in the year 1491; had stood in some form or other, and used for varying purposes, for many years and centuries before that, even to the time of the Romans; and still stands, a silent and neglected place, yet to be visited and seen by such as are curious.

To the door of this place comes Christopher as darkness falls, urged thereto by the plight of Diego, who is tired and hungry.

Christopher rings the bell, and asks the porter for a little bread and water for the child, and a lodging for them both.

There is some talk at the door; the Franciscan lay brother being given, at all times in the history of his order, to the pleasant indulgence of gossiping conversation, when that is lawful; and the presence of a stranger, who speaks with a foreign accent, being at all times a incident of interest and even of excitement in the quiet life of a monastery.

The moment is one big with import to the human race; it marks a period in the history of our man; the scene is worth calling up.