The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-23
(Consinned.l
 XVII. An Earthly Paradise.

An Earthly Paradise.
 It was not until the first snows lay white on the summit of Aran Cawddy that Father Francis was well enough to resume his work. and even then the doctors forbade the physical strain or preaching.
 In the early days of his eonvales- cence he had quiet but memorable in- terview with Mir. Lampirthy and learn ed that his Identity was known 10 at least two people In England The mil- iionaire, who showed more kindness and sympathy than might have been expected from his hard nature, assured the preacher that the discovery was not likely to be made public property. He also stated that hIs own attitude in the matter was unchanged and that he realized the high motives which had prompted Sir Richards desire for con cealment.
 All this was very pleasant to the sick man, and he unburdened his mind to Mir. Lanpirthy. He told the story of his lite. and spared no detail that would emphasxie the vileness of his youth. Then he spoke of the days in the desert, of his repentance, of the birth of the ideas which formed the nu- cieus of his creed of his resolution to make amends for the past.
 His words. although they lacked the vigor and lucidity of a healthy man. were earnest and convincing. Mr. Lampirthy left the room with a very high opinion of the sinner, who had struggled out of darkness Into light, and who had refused to make, capital out of a conversion that might have gained him many thousands of con verts. Here was a preacher who was too proud, too confident of the justice of Ills Cause, to employ theatrical ef- feet. As Sir Richard Gaunt. the con- ~erted rake he would have appealed to the vast horde of those who find in such sudden and violent changes the direct and miraculous influence of God, Tue mere story of the wreck of the Santigan and of the life in the desert, would have made deep impression on the hearts of the lower classes. But Father Francis had scorned to parade his sins and his virtues as an example to the world. He had relied on the truth of his Cause. He did not claim to be anything more than an instru- ment In the hands of God. He had been content to speak of greater things than his own life. He had even sacrificed his heritage in order to efface his pri- vate affairs from the great work that called for something more than self advertisement.
 Mir. Lampirthy returned from the in-
 
 man. who had cost him so many mil- lions of pounds, was at least worthy of the expenditure and that all this wealth had not been lavished on a mere charlatan. But In spite of this. the millionaire was filled with grave doubts about the success of the crusade. He was man of business and accustomed to look at things from business point of view. The work, which he had sup ported with such extraordinary gener- osity required worker of great phys- icEl strength and keen intellect. And 1t was clear that the severe illness from which Father Francis had only emerg- ed with his life. had weakened not only his body. but his brain.
 This much was evident to the ordi- nary observer. but an interview with Sir David Ilewellyn revealed a much more serious state of affairs.
 tsYour brain requires rest" the great doctor said to his patient. If you put any undue strain upon 1t you may have to end your days in a lunatic asylum"
 Father Francis received the verdict without ftnching. He knew that rboth his body and brain were required for the service of his Master, and that there could be no turning back, no placing of self before the call of duty. The soldier does not flee from death; he must fight and take his chance of the consequences. And, if the end were to be that mental death which Is the most terrible of all to contemplate, we'll, that was the will of God
 In spite of all Mr. Lampirthy's ad- vice. and all the terrible warnings of Sir David Llewellyn, the invalid set to work as soon as he was strong enough to interview his followers and set pen to paper. His illness. coming as 1t did in the height of his power and popular ity was an event of public importance Some of the newspapers had issued daily bulletins about his health; and his work. carried on in his absence by the band of preachers whom he had in-