“I was afraid,” answered his grim companion, with another shudder.
“Afraid?” repeated Offero in puzzled tones. “Why, what was there to be afraid of?”
“Did you not see the crucifix?” cried the Devil impatiently. “The figure on it is that of the Christ, and this is why I trembled.”
The giant had never heard that Holy Name before, and felt more perplexed than ever as he demanded: “Who is this Christ whom you so fear?”
“He is the King of Heaven,” was the reluctant reply.
“Is he more powerful, then, than you?” persisted Offero, planting himself in the center of the pathway so that his master could not pass on.
“He is more powerful even than I!” admitted the Devil, his eyes becoming points of fire.
“Then I shall serve Him, and Him only,” the giant cried, and, turning on his heel, he left the Devil to go on his way alone.
When Offero reached the cross once more, a man was kneeling before it in prayer. As he rose from his knees, Offero asked him the way to Heaven.
“I cannot tell you,” said the man. “The way is long, and hard to find. ’Tis well that Christ is merciful.”