"This is of great importance, Gortre," said Sir Michael; "we have something definite to go upon."
"I will start again for Jerusalem without loss of a day" said Spence, his whole face lighting up and hardening at the thought of active occupation.
"I was going to suggest it, Mr. Spence," said Sir Michael. "You will do what is necessary better than any of us; your departure will attract less notice. You will of course draw upon me for any moneys that may be necessary. If in the course of your investigations it may be — and it is extremely probable — may be necessary to buy the truth, of course no money considerations must stand in the way. We are working for the peace and happiness of millions. We are in very deep waters."
Father Ripon gave a deep sigh. Then, in an instant, his face hardened and flushed till it was almost unrecognisable. The others started back from him in amazement. He began to tremble violently from the legs upwards. Then he spoke:
"God forgive me," he said in a thick, husky voice. "God forgive me! But when I think of those two men, devils that they are, devils! when I regard the broken lives, the suicides, the fearful mass of crime, I —"
His voice failed him. The frightful wrath and anger took him and shook him like a reed — this tall, black-robed figure — it twisted him with a physical convulsion inexpressibly painful to witness.
For near a minute Father Ripon stood among them thus, and they were rigid with sympathy, with alarm.
Then, with a heavy sob, he turned and fell upon his knees in silent prayer.
