And when the sun arose in glory, the weary spirit won its freedom. There was one more look and smile for “Señor Don Alfonso,” there was a murmured word of grateful farewell for José, and then the brave and faithful heart of Melchior del Salto ceased to beat. Fray Fernando closed his eyes, and sat down and wept beside him. But José said, “You should not weep for him, patre. He sees the King in His beauty.” Yet Fray Fernando did well to weep. There are tears that bring help and healing with them. Of such were the tears he shed over the lifeless form of the brother whom God had given back to him so strangely from the dead. Instead of the thoughts of restless anguish, of remorse and shame, that had haunted him for sixteen weary years, he could think of Melchior del Salto, now and henceforward, with tender regret; not indeed unmixed with pain, but still calm and soothing. Meanwhile, for himself, the long conflict of his life seemed over. Peace and reconciliation had come to him at last, breathed softly by dying lips. And with peace there came strength also. Possibilities of new life, of a life of healthful, holy activity, began from that day forward to open out before him. Even yet he might serve the God to whom Melchior del Salto had lifted up his heart in the hour of need, and who had heard him, and saved him out of all his distresses. XXXIV. The King Followed. “So I go on not knowing; I would not if I might! I would rather walk in the dark with God, Than walk alone in the light; I would rather walk with Him by faith, Than walk alone by sight.” ANON. A year has passed away since all that was mortal of Melchior del Salto found a quiet resting-place beneath the shadow of the new church of Callao. To Fray Fernando it has been “the beginning of years,” the first year of a new life. Its days and nights have been filled to overflowing with thought and action. Inward change and progress have kept pace with outward activity; “great searchings of heart” with valiant work of head and hand. And yet the Fray Fernando who raises his eyes from his book, with a pleasant smile of greeting for José as he enters, looks a healthier, happier, and even a younger man than he who brought the dying galley-slave to his home. Nay more: Fray Fernando looks younger now than he did when he bought the best blessing of his life, some fifteen years ago, from Don Ramon de Virves with the tooth of St. Joseph.