Therefore it is that I fear that when the hour of trial comes He may desert you; and unless He covers you with His shield, of this I am sure, that the spear is forged which shall blush red in your heart, my father.

It is for you that I fear, who are so gentle and tender; not for myself, who am well accustomed to look in the eyes of Death, and who expect no more than death." "Forgive me," said Owen hastily, for he was moved; "and be sure that the shield will be over us till the time comes for us to pass whither we shall need none." ***** That night Owen rose from the task at which he was labouring slowly and painfully--a translation of passages from the Gospel of St.John into the language of the Amasuka--and going to the open window-place of the hut, he rested his elbows upon it and thought, staring with empty eyes into the blackness of the night.

Now it was as he sat thus that a great agony of doubt took possession of his soul.

The strength which hitherto had supported him seemed to be withdrawn, and he was left, as John had said, "quite alone." Strange voices seemed to whisper in his ears, reproaching and reviling him; temptations long ago trampled under foot rose again in might, alluring him.
"Fool," said the voices, "get you hence before it is too late.

You have been mad; you who dreamed that for your sake, to satisfy your pride, the Almighty will break His silence and strain His law.