I will now do this, and I beg you to do it with me." So saying, Professor Dane crossed his arms over his breast, bent his head, and closed his eyes.

The others rose, and all save Abbe Marinier clasped their hands.

The Abbe, with a sweeping gesture which embraced the air, brought them together on his breast.

The soft complaining of the lamp, a step on the floor below could be distinctly heard.

Marinier was the first to glance up furtively, to ascertain if the others still prayed.