“That there may be joy in the Christmas feast, even for the bitter in soul, if they look not backward, but forward.” “And thou, Sir—craving thy pardon—Sir Thief?” “It was a good guess,” said the thief. His eyes met the soldier’s squarely. “But I have learned. There is no Christmas joy without an honest conscience.” “And thou, good host?” “They have taught me, Sir Knight! There is no fulness of joy for him who shirks the fight. We go together back to life. Wilt go?” The knight stooped for his coat of mail. “An some friend here will harness me, I will go, and gladly. Thou hast taught me, too, good father. The Christ whose Birthday we keep joyeth not in hatred, but in love and kindliness to all. Verily, what a school thou keepest! Thou hast shown us the soul of Christmas! Master and scholars, all for the world this Christmas Day! God give us joy of our journey!” So, in the cool of the evening, they filed down from the hermit’s cave to the road that led to the world! [Illustration]