I lived straight ahead, with the sheep for two years.
RHODA.
_Hesitating._
Did you ever _see_ anything again?
MICHAELIS.
No.--But twice--I heard a voice.
RHODA.
What kind of a voice?
MICHAELIS.
The first time it came at night. I was walking on the top of the mountain, in a stony place. It--it was like a wind among the stones.
RHODA.
What did it say?
MICHAELIS.
It said, "Prepare! Prepare!"
RHODA.
And the second time?
MICHAELIS.
In the same place, at dawn. The voice said, "Go forth, it is finished!"
I looked round me and saw nothing. Then it came again, like a wind among the stones, "Go forth, it is begun!"
RHODA.
And you obeyed?
MICHAELIS.
I found a man to take my place, and started north. Three days after, I climbed the mesa toward my old home. Above, in the pueblo, I heard the sound of tom-toms and wailing squaws. They told me that the young son of the chief lay dead in my father"s chapel. I sat beside him all day and all night. Just before daylight--
_He breaks off abruptly._
RHODA.
Go on!
MICHAELIS.
Just before daylight, when the other watchers were asleep, the power of the spirit came strong upon me. I bowed myself upon the boy"s body, and prayed. My heart burned within me, for I felt his heart begin to beat!
His eyes opened. I told him to arise, and he arose. He that was dead arose and was alive again!
_Pause. Mrs. Beeler"s bell rings. Michaelis starts, looks about him as if awakened from a dream, then slowly goes toward the hall door.
Rhoda follows and detains him._
RHODA.
_In a low tone._
How long had he lain--for dead?
MICHAELIS.
Three days.
RHODA.
_With hesitation._
I have heard that people have lain as long as that in a trance, breathing so lightly that it could not be told, except by holding a gla.s.s before the face.
MICHAELIS.
_Startled._
Is that true?
RHODA.
I have read so.
MICHAELIS.
I wonder--I wonder.
_He stands in deep thought._
But I have had other signs.
RHODA.
What other signs?
MICHAELIS.
Many, many. Up and down the land!