"Your adventure was also the means," said Mr. Armstrong, "of making
you acquainted with our anchorite. Did you not find him an interesting
person?"

"More than interesting," replied Pownal. "From the moment he took me
into his arms as if I had been a child, and with all the tenderness of
a mother, I felt strangely attracted to him. I shall always remember
with pleasure the two days I spent in his cabin, and mean to cultivate
his acquaintance if he will permit me."

"He is evidently a man of refinement and education," said Armstrong,
"who, for reasons of his own, has adopted his peculiar mode of life.
It was a long time before I could be said to be acquainted with him,
but the more I know him, the better I like him. He and Faith are great
friends."

"I value his friendship highly and am glad he made so favorable an
impression on you, Mr. Pownal," said Faith.

"I do believe," cried Anne, "Faith could not reverence him more if he
were one of the old prophets."

"If not a prophet," said Faith, "he is at least a noble and good man,
and that is the highest title to respect. He takes an interest in you,
too, Mr. Pownal, for Anne tells me he has been to see you."

"My preserver has been here several times to make inquiries after my
health," answered Pownal. "He was here this morning."

"And preaching about the kingdom," said Judge Bernard. "What a strange