They never saw other human beings, save now and then some grief-stricken soul came for spiritual advice and assistance, always given without their dwelling, with the stream between the hermit and the seeker. For leprosy was known to be in the cave, and it was commonly reported that Meinhold had paid the natural penalty of his self-devotion.
It was too true.
One day Evroult saw him looking at a red burning spot on his palm.
He recognised it and burst into tears.
"Father, you have given yourself for us: I wish the dogs had torn me before I came here."
"Christ gave Himself for me," said Meinhold quietly.
"Did you not know it, Evroult? I knew it long ago," said Richard quietly. It seemed natural to him that one who loved the Good Shepherd should give his life for the sheep. But the sweet smile with which he looked into the hermit's face was quite as touching as Evroult's tears.
The hermit was quite indifferent to the fact.
"As well this as any other way," he said; yet the affection of the boys was pleasant to him.
They lacked not for food. The people of the neighbouring farms, some distance across the forest, sent presents of milk and eggs and fruit from time to time, and of other necessaries. They had once been boldly offered: now they were set down on the other side of the stream and left.