to the new field, in hope that new surroundings and new duties would bring him to himself again, for he was too valuable a scholar and a worker to lose.

But strange things were whispered about him, even now. When the poor came to him for baptism or for marriage, his fees were very low. Fellow priests scoffed him and called him "a fool," "not knowing his own chances."

"They pay me what they are able! I wish no more. Most of our poor live without a marriage rite because they are not able to pay what our Church requires of them. Shall we, their priests, help them on in their unholy living?"

It was also said that he had once told a penitent, "I can not forgive thy sin! Take it to God!"

"Why, man," exclaimed the angry bishop, when calling him to account, "what dost thou mean by thus belittling the power of the priesthood?"

"I hear, too," said the bishop, "that thou dost allow some of the students free access to the Holy Scriptures. Have more of a care! Only with explanations of the priest is the Bible to be read by the laity!" No one knew that in Father Lorenzo's chest was a heretic Bible, a gift from a boyhood friend in Mexico City, and that

friend a heretic. Nor did any one know how often, alone in his room, the little book was taken out and read. Father Lorenzo was learning the truth about his Churchabout himself and his duty.

CHAPTER VII.

"THOU HAST NOT DENIED MY NAME."

One night there was a tap at the heretic's study door, which opened into the street. He was surprised, at the instant, as he saw, standing before him, the smoothshaven face and the man gowned as a priest. By his side stood a lad. The heretic recognized the boy singer and Father Lorenzo, for they had exchanged salutations upon the street.

"You are surprised to see me!" said the priest.

"You are none the less welcome!" was the reply.

"Let me state my errand at once," said the priest accepting the proffered chair. "For a long time I have felt that I am living a false life. I have been posing as one who is able to forgive sin, when in reality I know none but God is able to forgive sin, and none more needy of forgiveness than I myself. My boy and I, for he knows somewhat of my trouble, have come to you for instruction."

"Thank God, my brother!" exclaimed the heretic, grasping by the hand, his visitor.

"We are all sinners, and in need of Divine forgiveness!"

Long time and earnestly talked the two together, the boy listening the while.

Then they kneeled together. His duty they knew, but they prayed for strength to do that duty. When they arose from their knees, a new light shone upon each face.

"Your life will now be in danger!" said the Protestant.

"I know, but death even is preferable to the misery through which I have been passing these last few weeks. Yet I would live to make amends and to warn others!" "Come to us if there is danger!"

"I will," said Father Lorenzo, gratefully, "But in any case I beg of you, take charge of my boy. I love him, and do not wish him to lead such a life as mine. I will come again and tell you my plans."

But little knew Father Lorenzo that other plans had been laid for him. That visit to the heretic's had not been unnoticed.

own doorway, he was

Upon entering his met by the bishop. Father Lorenzo saw, at a glance, the conflict before him. For a moment he felt weak, but a cry from his heart to God brought calm and courage.

"Let our interview be in private, in thine own room!" sternly said the bishop.

"Where hast thou spent this evening?” "In the house of the Protestant minis ter."

"And what didst thou there?"

"Reverend Father and Bishop," replied the priest, "long time I have known that my life was a mockery. Yet I knew not how to leave, and I feared to tell thee. I know now my duty. I go now from this place and henceforth avow myself a Protestant, an heretic, if thou pleaseth."

The bishop's face showed surprise and anger.

"It seems thy plans are well laid! thou dost forget my permission.

it thou canst not leave!"

But Without

Then stepping to the door, he opened it and called to him two men who waited. "Here, take this man in charge and conduct him to my residence!"

"Do not touch me!" said Father Lorenzo in a quiet tone. "I am not a criminal. I go alone as a man. I am ready," he added, turning toward the bishop.

But at that instant in rushed the lad Frederico. Clinging to the priest he cried: "Oh, what is it? where art thou to go?" "Remove this boy! He is to remain here!" spoke the bishop sharply.

But before the lad was taken away Father Lorenzo whispered in his ear, "Tell