"To sum up. There now seems no shadow of doubt that the disappearance of The Body of Christ from the first tomb is accounted for, and that the Resurrection as told in the Gospels did not take place. Joseph of Arimathæa here confesses that he stole away the body, probably in order to spare the Disciples and friends of the dead Teacher, with whom he was in sympathy, the shame and misery of the final end to their hopes. "The use of the first aorist 'ἐνεκρυψα,' 'I hid,' seems to indicate that Joseph was making a confession to satisfy his own mind, with a very vague idea of it ever being read. Were his confession written for future ages, we may surmise that the perfect 'κεκρυφα,' 'I have hidden,' would have been used." So the simple, bald narrative ended, without a single attempt at sensationalism on the part of the newspaper. Just as Father Ripon laid down the newspaper, with shaking hands and a pallid face, Sir Michael Manichoe strode into the room. Tears of anger and shame were in his eyes, he moved jerkily, automatically, without volition. His right arm was sawing the air in meaningless gesticulation. He glanced furtively at Father Ripon and then sank into a chair by the bedside. The clergyman rose and dressed hastily. "We will speak of this in the library," he said, controlling himself by a tremendous effort. "Meanwhile----" He took some sal volatile from his dressing-case, gave some to his host, and drank some also. As they went down-stairs a brilliant sun streamed into the great hall. The world outside was bright and frost-bound. The bell of the private chapel was tolling for matins. The sound struck on both their brains very strangely. Sir Michael shuddered and grew ashen grey. Ripon recovered himself first. He placed his arm in his host's and turned towards the passage which led to the chapel. "Come, my friend," he said in low, sweet tones, "come to the altar. Let us pray together for Christendom. Peace waits us. Say the creed with me, for God will not desert us." They passed into the vaulted chapel with the seven dim lamps burning before the altar, and knelt down in the chancel stalls. Some of the servants came in and then the chaplain began the confession. The stately monotone went on, echoing through the damp breath of the morning. Father Ripon and Sir Michael turned to the east. The sun was pouring through the great window of stained glass, where Christ was painted ascending to heaven. The two elderly men said the creed after the priest in firm, almost triumphant voices: "I believe in God the Father ... and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord.... The third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven...." * * * * *