Jovinian, as he now observed the strange being to whom he was so much indebted, was reminded of those heathen eremites of whom he had read as long existing in the far East, who, by self-imposed tortures, abstinence from the society of their kind, and long prayers, hoped to merit a blissful immortality among the shadows of the blessed. Wishing to thank the recluse for the services just rendered, he rode towards him. "You are, I judge by your appearance and bearing, Christians, and as such are welcome to rest during the coming night in my abode, for you can reach no other shelter before nightfall," said the recluse, without listening to Jovinian's thanks. "Or, should you be moved by the holy life led by me and my companions, you shall be at liberty to take up your residence with us." Jovinian thought it wise to make no reply to the last part of his invitation, but gladly accepted the shelter offered him. "Follow me, then," said the recluse; and, making use of his staff to support his steps, he strode on over the rough ground before the travellers towards one of the gorges which opened out at some distance before them, mounting the steep sides of the hill at a pace with which the horses could hardly keep up. He stopped before a wooden porch built of logs, at the entrance of a cavern. "Your steeds will find grass at the bottom of the gorge, and water at a rill which trickles out of the mountain-side; here no one will molest them--even those bold outlaws dare not approach my abode," said the recluse, as he signed to Jovinian and Largus to dismount. Fortunately the travellers had brought provisions, or they would have fared but ill on the lentils and water which constituted the food of the recluse. Bringing water from a neighbouring rill in a large bowl, their host insisted on washing the travellers' feet--although not until they saw it would cause offence longer to refuse did they permit him to perform this act of humiliation. As the shades of evening drew on, a voice was suddenly heard chanting a hymn from the opposite side of the gulf. It was echoed by another further up, until nearly a dozen voices had joined in the solemn strains. "They are my brethren who have come here to dwell, and devote themselves to calm contemplation, fasting, prayers, and penance," said the recluse. "You shall be made known to them to-morrow, and hear the words of heavenly wisdom taught from their lips." Jovinian and Largus made their beds by the aid of their saddles and horse-cloths in the outer porch, and were glad that they were not invited to enter the interior of the cavern. It appeared dirty in the extreme.