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Show 123 "But what am I supposed to say to the priest?" "Another question!" But he was smiling at me. "You will tell him that I have a suggestion which must surely cure the children. Then leave the rest to me." I followed him into the damp street and walked beside him the two squares to Market Church. When we reached the church he asked me, "Where does the priest live?" "He has a little house around back." I led Gast to the small stone building which stood in the shadow of the church. "Knock," he told me, and I did. When Father Johann answered my knock he seemed somewhat surprised to see us there, but too downcast to question our presence. He invited us into the room where a small fire blazed fitfully on the hearth. Two chairs stood next to a narrow wooden table, and Father Johann gestured for Gast to take one of them while the priest himself sat on the other. I stood behind Gast's chair. On the table was a carved wooden triptych, a miniature altarpiece shoviing three scenes from the life of Christ. Father Johann had evidently been praying before we came. The priest folded his hands and waited for us to state our reason for coming. "Gast has a suggestion for curing the children," I said. Patiently, Father Johann turned his tired eyes on Gast. "You were right," Gast announced to the priest. "The people should have listened to you. Dancing of itself cannot cure the children. They need prayers as well." "They do? That is, of course they need prayer.. .but.. .but.. .what has caused you to change your opinion?" |