But the soldier still held in his hand the lily which he had broken off at the grotto entrance; and while he was thinking of his good fortune, a bee that had been hidden in its chalice flew towards him and buzzed around his head. He staggered back. Suddenly he remembered the bees which the boy had carried to their home, and he remembered that it was a bee that had helped the child escape from Herod’s feast. This thought struck him with surprise. He held the sword suspended, and stood still and listened for the bee. Now he did not hear the tiny creature’s buzzing. As he stood there, perfectly still, he became conscious of the strong, delicious perfume which came from the lily that he held in his hand. Then he began to think of the lilies that the little one had saved; he remembered that it was a cluster of lilies that had hidden the child from his view and made possible the escape through the city gate. He became more and more thoughtful, and he drew back the sword. “The bees and the lilies have requited his good deeds,” he whispered to himself. Then he was struck by the thought that the little one had once shown even him a kindness, and a deep crimson flush mounted to his brow. “Can a Roman soldier forget to requite an accepted service?” he whispered. He fought a short battle with himself. He thought of Herod, and of his own desire to destroy the young Peace-Prince. “It does not become me to murder this child who has saved my life,” he said, at last. And he bent down and laid his sword beside the child, that the fugitives on awakening should understand the danger they had escaped. Then he saw that the child was awake. He lay and regarded the soldier with the beautiful eyes which shone like stars. And the warrior bent a knee before the child. “Lord, _thou_ art the Mighty One!” said he. “Thou art the strong Conqueror! Thou art He whom the gods love! Thou art He who shall tread upon adders and scorpions!” He kissed his feet and stole softly out from the grotto, while the little one smiled and smiled after him with great, astonished child-eyes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration: The Flight Into Egypt] THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT Far away in one of the Eastern deserts many, many years ago grew a palm tree, which was both exceedingly old and exceedingly tall. All who passed through the desert had to stop and gaze at it, for it was much larger than other palms; and they used to say of it, that some day it would certainly be taller than the obelisks and pyramids.