"Come in peace, dear friend.

I am not a believer, as you are, but I wish I were; and I will throw my doors open respectfully to all whom you may wish me to see.

Meanwhile shall we not take this with us ?" From the wall he took the Crucifix which Benedetto had brought with him, and then lifted the sick man in his powerful arms.
The journey was accomplished without accident.

Stretched across the landau, upon a bank of cushions, Benedetto, who seemed to have shrunk in stature, answered the Professor's frequent questions more often with a smile than with his feeble voice.

The Professor kept his finger continually on Benedetto's pulse, and from time to time gave him a cordial.