'The ruby is a symbol of the love of God.'
'Why is the ruby a symbol of the love of God?'
'Because it is red, like fire, and fire burns up everything, and where there is nothing, there is God.'
The child sank into silence, but presently sat up and said, 'There is somebody outside.'
'No,' replied the Brother. 'It is only the wolves; I have heard them moving about in the snow for some time. They are growing very wild, now that the winter drives them from the mountains. They broke into a fold last night and carried off many sheep, and if we are not careful they will devour everything.'
'No, it is the footstep of a man, for it is heavy; but I can hear the footsteps of the wolves also.'
He had no sooner done speaking than somebody rapped three times, but with no great loudness.
'I will go and open, for he must be very cold.'
'Do not open, for it may be a man-wolf, and he may devour us all.'
But the boy had already drawn back the heavy wooden bolt, and all the faces, most of them a little pale, turned towards the slowly-opening door.