Clarence Budington Kelland

“ And forthwith he drew a bag from the folds of his upper garment, and counted money into the hand of the man—and Carnavon. counted with him. Thirty times did the fingers of the High Priest enter the bag, and thirty times did a piece of silver drop into the outstretched, trembling claw. The last of the thirty fell from the overflowing palm and rolled to Carnavon's feet, resting in a spot of moonlight. It glittered whitely—and in distinct relief was visible the familiar pot of manna: in every respect it was the fellow of the coin Carnavon still grasped in his hand. ”

“ Carnavon, having no heaven to look forward to, strove to make his plot of earth more beautiful. His home, a structure to delight the fancy, stood among acres whose loveliness was wrought by art that aided and followed, rather than sought to lead nature. ”

“ One, believing in the Master, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver; you, not believing in Him, cannot betray Him, but you war on Him with the weapons He gave you—for many times thirty pieces of silver. With your honest unbelief I have no quarrel; when you pass it on to others for gain you do an ill thing. God may forgive the honest doubt—the thirty pieces of silver He cannot forget."
The stranger spoke as to one he loved, without rancor, softening criticism with gentleness. Carnavon was not offended ”

“ Swiftly his bearing altered to determination, to action. He thrust on his coat, his hat, and went out into the night, traversing road and street until he came to the crowded places of the city where men turned night into day. ”