"I have been only twice into the oasis, even to go to the church." "Then you have been to no school ?" "To what school should I go! My father has taught me to read the Gospels and I could write, but I have nearly forgotten how.

Of what use would it be to me?
We live like praying beasts." Deep bitterness sounded in the last words, and Petrus could see into the troubled spirit of his companion, overflowing as it was with weary disgust, and he perceived how the active powers of youth revolted in aversion against the slothful waste of life, to which he was condemned.
He was grieved for the boy, and he was not one of those who pass by those in peril without helping them.

Then he thought of his own sons, who had grown up in the exercise and fulfilment of serious duties, and he owned to himself that the fine young fellow by his side was in no way their inferior, and needed nothing but to be guided aright.

He thoughtfully looked first at the youth and then on the ground, and muttered unintelligible words into his grey beard as they walked on.
Suddenly he drew himself up and nodded decisively; he would make an attempt to save Hermas, and faithful to his own nature, action trod on the heels of resolve.

Where the little level ended the road divided, one path continued to lead upwards, the other deviated to the valley and ended at the quarries.