But, Mother of God! who am I to pass judgment ?--I, who am also guilty of this sin." He had uplifted his crucifix, sitting with bowed head before it, with so sad a face I could not forbear questioning.
"Have you, then, such another tale in your life ?" He did not look at me, yet hesitated not in reply.
"Ay, 'tis true, yet not so pure a one.

I like not to dwell upon it even in thought; but you have trusted me, and we are here together as men of a common race in face of death.

Perchance our hearts may better comprehend each other through such confidences.

Do you care to hear my tale ?" "I listen gladly, for in truth I know of nothing better to do," I returned uneasily.

"Pish! but I feel as if we were locked in a cell awaiting the headsman." "Yet God can open the doors even as He did for Peter," he said solemnly, fastening his eyes on the blue sky.