"Thy time shall come at the close of the year. Go."

And Hubert was led away.

And now he was tempted to yield to despair, when he was sustained
by what may be called a miraculous interposition.

It was dark night and he lay in his cell, the watchmen without, the
yet more watchful dogs prowling and growling around; when all at
once he heard footsteps approaching his wretched bed chamber.

Who could it be? The dogs gave no sign; the oppressors generally
slept at that hour, and seldom disturbed a captive's nightly rest.
The door opened, and--He beheld his father!

Yes, his father: haggard and worn with grief, but with a light as
of another world over his worn features.

"Be of good cheer, my son; God permits me to come to thee thus, and
to bid thee hold firm to the end, and thou shalt find that man's
extremity is His opportunity."

"Art thou really my father?"

And while he spoke in tones of awe and wonder the vision vanished.
It was of God's appointment, that vision, given to confirm the
faith and hope of one of His children. Such was Hubert's belief
{30}.