go back on his word — when he spoke, he acted. Perhaps it was this trait that had made his institute a perfect model.

— "I did not know that man's boldness shows itself before some people and hides before others. Let me believe that in the soul of that student there is at least one trait to be praised: boldness. Let him step forward!..."

The students exchanged fright-ened, bewildered glances. Which of them would dare to say "I"? But one of them dared, and stood up straight.

— "I did, sir!"

— "You?!! It never once crossed my mind that it was you, Ahmad — you who were the model of the perfect student. I have no doubt your comrades led you astray. But... so that you may learn, Ahmad, how to walk alone in life, strong — very strong — not led about by foolish others, I shall carry out what I said. I am sorry for this; and it will please me, once you have come to think as a rea-sonable man thinks, that you visit me and count me your friend."

•

Along that long road, flanked by trees on either side, where at some of its bends the snow still lay untouched by the mischief of children, a road empty of any human being, Ahmad walked.

"How shall I face my parents with the truth? What shall I say to them? And how? How, O Lord? Let people say what they will —

I am sure of myself. I know the principal expelled me unjustly. If only he knew that I was the only one who tried to turn the students from their idea. But they would not listen to what I said, and they mocked me. He thought one of us

threw the ball; he did not know that all the students had agreed on it, and he would not have hesitated to expel us

all. So there was nothing for it but to sacrifice myself to save my comrades. I have committed