Part 27 (1/2)

”Mortal warp and mortal woof Cannot brook this charmed roof; All that mortal art hath wrought In our cell returns to naught.

The molten gold returns to clay, The polish'd diamond melts away; All is alter'd, all is flown, Naught stands fast but truth alone.

Not for that thy quest give o'er; Courage! prove thy chance once more.”

Eloquently, the monk then praised the frugal life, a.s.suring his listeners that those who gave of their treasure to the cult society would receive untold spiritual values.

”As you file past the fountain cast your jewels into the basin,” he bade the group. ”You will be rewarded three-fold.”

Slowly the robed women circled the fountain. The one leading the procession dropped a bracelet. The woman following fumbled beneath her robe and reluctantly gave a cameo broach.

”It was the last gift of my dear departed husband,” she whispered tearfully. ”I do so dislike to part with it--”

”You shall have your reward,” the monk a.s.sured her. ”Later, in the crystal globe, you will see the face of your husband!”

”So that's how he rules them!” thought Penny. ”He plays upon their emotions and then pretends to conjure up visions of departed relatives!”

Another woman stripped a diamond ring from her finger, and cast it into the bowl of the fountain. The one who followed her, stood empty handed.

”Where is your contribution?” demanded the monk.

”I have none, O Master! At the last ceremony, I gave all!”

”Those who have no gift for the celestial spirits receive no rewards,”

Father Benedict said sharply.

”Please--”

”Pa.s.s on!” ordered the monk.

Realization now came to Penny that in another moment she too would be expected to drop her contribution into the fountain. What could she give?

On her third finger the girl wore a silver colored ring with a red gla.s.s stone. She had won it several days before at a church party fish pond, and despite the fact that it obviously had been bought in a dime store, had kept it.

As Penny's turn came she removed the cheap ring and let it fall into the basin of the fountain. Keeping the hood well over her face, she mumbled in a disguised voice: ”I give my precious ruby ring!”

”Blessings upon you, my good woman!” said the monk approvingly. ”The celestial spirits will remember your generosity.”

Father Benedict now led the procession to the refectory where supper was to be served.

The room was drafty and barren except for one long table and benches. Old Julia had set out the wooden bowls of soup, and crackers, thoughtfully remembering to set an extra one for Penny. No other food was in evidence.

”Soup again?” asked one of the cult members in bitter disappointment. ”We are hungry!”

”We've had little more than soup since we came here!” exclaimed another old lady plaintively.

”Are you so soon forgetting your vows?” chided Father Benedict. ”Material things have no true meaning.”

Grumbling a little, the women sat down at the table and began to eat.

Penny took an empty place near the door. She tasted the soup and nearly gagged.