Even while I worked he seemingly thought nothing of himself, but, oblivious to pain, his face was ever turned to the prisoner, his lips moving in petition for his soul.

I caught but scattered sentences.
"Oh, Christ, this one--unworthy, yet I beseech Thee--Be merciful, O Virgin--out of the wilderness ariseth the voice of Thy servant--purge the soul of all past iniquity--yield me this one brand plucked from the burning--Thine be the glory forever--let my life be given for this soul--this one precious reward for my ministry." A little later the three of us partook, although largely in silence, of the sustaining food which Cairnes furnished in abundance.

Throughout the meal I felt it necessary to be ever watchful to prevent the two zealots, who were now my comrades, from clashing.

Again and again the priest sought to lead the sectary to his way of thinking, but the gray face only hardened ominously, his bull voice denouncing bitterly all Romish deeds.
"Come, be at peace, you two," I commanded at last, thoroughly tired and angry.

"Hold your tongues over those questions, at least while I am with you.