"From Emilius," said the man.
"Emilius!" cried Father Daniel, and signs of agitation were visible on his face. "Are you acquainted with him? Have you seen him lately?
"I am acquainted with him. I saw him three days ago."
Father Daniel fell back with a sudden impulse of revulsion, and with as sudden an impulse of contrition said humbly, "Forgive me--forgive me!"
"It is I who should ask that," said the man, with a curious and not discreditable assumption of manliness, in the humbleness of which a certain remorseful abasement was conspicuous. He bowed his head. "Bless me, Father!"
"Do you deserve it?"
"I need it," said the man; and the good priest blessed him.
"It is, up to now," said the man presently, raising his head, "as Emilius told me. But he could not lie."
"You are his friend?" said Father Daniel.
"I am not worthy to be called so," said the man. "I am a sinner. He is a martyr."