The young man drew aside a frond of bracken, and disclosed a colony of black ants.
“Does the sight of that move you also?” said Dr. Parker.
“They are part of the mystery. I see the Father there.”
“I presume you mean God?” said the vicar.
“Male and female created He them,” said the young man in a hushed tone. “I hardly dare look at the wonders around me, now the scales have fallen from my eyes and the heavens have opened.”
“The heavens have opened!” said Dr. Parker.
“Oh, yes. I can read them now. I gaze upon the portals. I see the chariots. There are the strong souls of the saints riding in glory across the sky. Look! look!”
The doctor and the vicar followed the lines of the young man’s hand, which pointed straight into a brilliant, but storm-shot sun. They had instantly to lower their eyes.
“It would blind one to look at that,” said Dr. Parker.
“Nothing can blind you if you have learned to see,” said the young man. It astonished them to observe that his gaze was fixed upon the flaming disc of light. Suddenly he placed a finger on his lips, entreating them to listen.