"The very place to begin," was the earnest reply. "Help the weak ones there, like a true Knight of the Cross, and try to set some bond ones free. Carry the Lord's banner there, and see to it you are a true standard-bearer. Now, farewell! My time here is short. In the world's great field of battle we may meet again; if not, let our trysting-place be before the throne on high." Then, saying the words, "Inasmuch as ye do it to the least of these my brethren, ye do it unto me," he strode off through the heather as silently as he came.
For a moment or two Ronald gazed after him; then sank down once more in the moss and ferns beside the Wishing-Well. When he again raised his head, the stranger was out of sight.
Had it all been a dream? No; every word, every look, of the mysterious speaker was too deeply impressed on his mind and eyes for that. One thing was certain: he had promised anew to live to God and for God. He had joined the great army of the Lord of hosts; and bending his head a moment in prayer, he asked strength from above to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
Just then a loud shout rang on the air.
"Here he is, Eric! I told you we'd find him here;" and with a bound Nora stood beside the Wishing-Well. "Reading again, I declare, Ronald!" said the merry little maiden, catching up her brother's book and tossing it up in the air; taking care, however, to catch it ere it reached the ground. "Do come, and let us have a race."
But ere Ronald could answer, the child's mood had changed again. "No, wait a moment. I forgot, Ronald, this is your last day, and I want a long talk with you; you know it will be an age ere we have a nice one again."
And with the gentle look stealing over her face which so often reminded her brother of their mother, she sat gently down and let Ronald twine his arm round her waist.
For a moment there was silence; Nora was gazing thoughtfully down into the waters of the well. Then she spoke: "Ronald, what is it that is above rubies?"
"Rubies!" he said. "Little sister, what makes you think of them?"
A shadow crossed her face. "Eric and I have been looking at mamma's diadem; and oh, it is so beautiful! I only wish I were old enough to wear it, the rubies sparkle so. But aunt says mamma's wish for me was that I might obtain that which is above rubies, and I thought I would ask you what that is."