For here was the one hope of these thousands, as mighty and as little as once within the Manger.

There was none other that fought for them but only God.

Surely then, if the blood of men and the tears of women could not avail to move the Judge and Observer of all from His silence, surely at least here the bloodless Death of His only Son, that once on Calvary had darkened heaven and rent the earth, pleaded now with such sorrowful splendour upon this island of faith amid a sea of laughter and hatred--this at least must avail! How could it not?
* * * * * Percy had just sat down, tired out with the long ceremonies, when the door opened abruptly, and the Cardinal, still in his robes, came in swiftly, shutting the door behind him.
"Father Franklin," he said, in a strange breathless voice, "there is the worst of news.

Felsenburgh is appointed President of Europe." II It was late that night before Percy returned, completely exhausted by his labours.

For hour after hour he had sat with the Cardinal, opening despatches that poured into the electric receivers from all over Europe, and were brought in one by one into the quiet sitting-room.