But when it was all over, a reaction set in. He was filled with gloomy and troubled thoughts. Had his words been right words after all? Was the impulse which had drawn him to the theatre with irresistible strength an impulse from on high? And who was he, after all, that he should lead others in a new crusade against the sin and wickedness of this great city? He felt exactly as if some actual personality which had been animating him was now withdrawn. To his left, Park Lane stretched away towards Piccadilly, the palaces there all blazing with light. It was typical of what he had come to denounce, to warn, and to save. And how was it possible that he, a weak man, could do this thing? He walked on. Half-way down Park Lane he saw that a coffee-stall stood in the shadow of the Park railings, drawn up close to the curb. The sight reminded him that he had not eaten for many hours, and he crossed the road towards it. There were no customers but himself, and in a moment or two a steaming cup of coffee and two great wedges of bread-and-butter stood before him. He had never enjoyed a meal so much, he thought idly--no, not even in the recent days of starvation in Whitechapel, when an unexpected windfall had provided him and Hampson with food. Whitechapel! What a lifetime of experience had been his since those days! Wales, the mystical life with Lluellyn Lys-- A flush of shame and sorrow came over him. Why had he doubted even for a single moment the power and guidance of God! Had not the Holy Ghost been always with him--always, from the very first? "O Lord," he cried, in his heart, "forgive Thine unworthy servant his weak doubts and fears! I know that Thou art with me, now, and forever more!" He had concluded the short and unspoken prayer when he was startled by a voice. He had not noticed that when the coffee-stall proprietor--an old man with snow-white hair, and large, horn-rimmed spectacles--had given him the coffee, he had returned to a large book he was reading. Now Joseph looked round suddenly, and realized that the old fellow was saying the sentences aloud to himself. "He shall call upon Me, and I will hear him; yea, I was with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and bring him to honour." Joseph put down his pennies upon the counter. The answer to his prayer had come, once more God had spoken. "Thank ye!" said the old man, in a strong Scotch accent. "I doot but I startled ye with me reading. I read aloud to my wife, who can nae mair see to read for hersel', and sae I've got in the way o't. But they're gran' words, lad." "Thank you for them, and God bless you!" Joseph answered; and with the old fellow's kindly "Good nicht!" ringing in his ears, resumed his walk. He was immeasurably comforted and helped, and his whole soul went up in a burst of praise and adoration. No thought of sleep came to him. He no longer felt physically weary. He was impelled to walk and pray for sleeping London.