He had always known that Martin would return.

It had been his one worldly ambition and prayer to have him at his side again.
When he had thought and dreamt of the time that was coming, he had thought that it would be simple enough to win the boy back to the old allegiance and faith to which he had once been bound.

Meanwhile the boy had grown into a man; here was a new Martin deep in experiences, desires, ambitions of which his father could have no perception.

Even in the moment that he was aware of the possibility of losing his son he was aware also of the deep almost fanatical resolve to keep him, to hold him at all costs.
This was to be the test of his whole earthly life.

He seemed, as he sat there, looking across at his boy, to challenge God Himself to take him from him.