Freedom is his
birthright, even though he be born in a prison, and in chains. Hence,
the noblest men are not satisfied with physical and political freedom;
they must also be free men in Christ Jesus; for let me tell you, if
men are slaves to sin and the devil, not all the Magna Chartas, nor
all the swords in the world, can make them truly free."
And thus they talked until the moon set and the last light was out
in the cabins, and the 'after midnight' feeling became plainly evident.
Then Phyllis brought out a dish that looked very like walnut shells,
but which all welcomed. They were preserved bears' paws. "Eat," she
said, "for though it is the last hour we may meet in this life, we
must sleep now."
And the Texan luxury was eaten with many a pleasant word, and then,
with kind and solemn 'farewells,' the little party separated, never
in all the years of earth to sit together again; for just at daylight,
John and Phyllis stood at their gates, watching the carriage which
carried Richard and Elizabeth pass over the hill, and into the timber,
and out of sight.
CHAPTER XI.
"The evening of life brings with it its lamp."--TOUBERT.
"And there arrives a lull in the hot race:
And an unwonted calm pervades the breast.
And then he thinks he knows
The hills where his life rose,
And the sea, where it goes.
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