"Brother Man," said Philip, gently, "would you like to stay here to-night? Have you anywhere else to stay?"
"You are afraid I will do harm. But no. See. Let us sit down."
He laid his hat on the table, resumed his seat and asked Philip for a Bible. Philip handed him one. He opened it and read a chapter from the Prophet Isaiah, and then; sitting in the chair, bowing his head between his hands, he offered a prayer of such wonderful beauty and spiritual refinement of expression that Mr. and Mrs. Strong listened with awed astonishment.
When he had uttered the amen Mrs. Strong whispered to Philip, "Surely we cannot shut him out with the storm. We will give him the spare room."
Philip said not a word. He at once built up a fire in the room, and in a few moments invited the man into it.
"Brother Man," he said simply, "stay here as if this was your own house.
You are welcome for the night."
"Yes, heartily welcome," said Philip's wife, as if to make amends for any doubts she had felt before.
For reply the "Brother Man" raised his hand almost as if in benediction.
And they left him to his rest.
CHAPTER XII.
In the morning Philip knocked at his guest's door to waken him for breakfast. Not a sound could be heard within. He waited a little while and then knocked again. It was as still as before. He opened the door softly and looked in.