Thus Gaspard, Melchoir and Balthazar, each following the star, at last
approached each other. The star of each seemed to melt and blend into
the star of the others, and the opal light stood at last in the center
of the group. Gaspard exclaimed: "I have found that which we all were
seeking. The kingdom of Christ is in the imagination; Christ lives in
what man feels."

"Nay," said Melchoir, "I have followed the star, and I have found what
we sought. The kingdom of Christ is in the reason of man. Christ lives
in what man believes."

"But," cried Balthazar, "my star has led me to a different end. The
kingdom of Christ is in the will of man. Christ lives in what man
does."

"The truth," once more exclaimed Melchoir, "is the law of the
kingdom."

"Not truth," declared Balthazar, "but justice, righteousness, goodness
and purity--these are its laws and its marks."

"Nay, comrades beloved, hearken to me," answered Gaspard, "it is the
miracle of the divine presence. It is God among men, realized in the
holy mass. I beheld it all in yonder cathedral."

But lo! once more the star began to tremble and to change its place.

"Let us follow the star!" Balthazar whispered. "We will follow it,"
echoed the other two.