gold and crimson beyond the pillars of Hercules. Let us seek the
wayfarer's lodging with the hospitable peasants in the valley, and
tomorrow let us begin our search for the Christ anew. We have wandered
alone; let us invoke now the star to guide us together."

[Sidenote: Forget Not Hospitality]

That night, therefore, the three strangers lodged with the simple
peasant people in the valley, partaking with thankfulness of the
coarse bread, the dates and the red wine--the common fare of their
daily life. Nor did they fail to notice a motto inscribed above the
fireplace in rude Greek letters:

* * * * *

On the morrow they were ready to begin their search together for the
Christ, and they hoped not to wander far before they should find at
least the outskirts of His kingdom. But whither should they go? In
what direction should they first turn their steps?

[Sidenote: Once More a Star]

While they were thus wondering and debating, Balthazar suddenly
exclaimed: "I see the star!" And behold, a little way before them, and
at no great distance above their heads, they discerned in the gray of
the early morning a star of pale, opal light, which seemed to move
forward as the men moved toward it.

"We must follow the star!" Balthazar said in a whisper. Silently and
breathlessly his companions followed on.