But he thought next of his wife. "She will believe," he said to himself; "women never give up God."
And he went to her; but she told him that she believed only what he taught her, and that a good wife should believe in her husband first and before and above all things in Heaven or earth.
Then despair came on him, and he rushed from the house, and began to ask every one he met if they believed. But the same answer came from one and all—"We believe only what you have taught us," for his doctrine had spread far and wide through the country.
Then he grew half mad with fear, for the hours were passing, and he flung himself down on the ground in a lonesome spot, and wept and groaned in terror, for the time was coming fast when he must die.
Just then a little child came by. "God save you kindly," said the child to him.
The priest started up.
"Do you believe in God?" he asked.
"I have come from a far country to learn about him," said the child. "Will your honour direct me to the best school they have in these parts?"
"The best school and the best teacher is close by," said the priest, and he named himself.
"Oh, not to that man," answered the child, "for I am told he denies God, and Heaven, and Hell, and even that man has a soul, because he cannot see it; but I would soon put him down."