Prisoners of Hope

A Story of the Faith "Not my sister," interposed Will. "I thought her your sister — but no matter. It makes no difference. You will take my message all the same. Have a care of the lantern, Boy; you will let it fall. Look! The light is out. Well, no harm is done; we will soon be at the clearing now, and in full daylight. I was saying — if you love me, Will, and that I am sure you do — say to Maria that the word we spoke to one another lies ever between us, and God heard it." Will was silent from amazement, perhaps from something else. "Do you hear me, Friend?" asked Bilek. "Yes, I hear," faltered Will. He felt as if a great stone had fallen on him and crushed him. In his pain he said a thing which perhaps, under all the circumstances, was not wise or generous.