The path to the lost inheritance was steep and rugged and dark.

He was called upon to leave his mother; to leave the place that, however sordid, however mean, was yet his home; and to enter upon a period of servitude with an unknown master--a man related to him by blood, whom report described as an eccentric--a miser--a madman." As he said these words a curious thing occurred.

A wave of color flushed old Arian's sightless face; an inarticulate sound escaped him, and he made a tremulous attempt to rise.

But the movement was instantly checked by Bale-Corphew, who bent close to him and whispered quickly in his ear.
Neither gesture nor whisper was noted by the Prophet.

His own face had paled as if with some deep emotion; and lowering his raised hand, he spoke again with a new, suppressed intensity.
"Then began the vital period of that boy's career.