“Do not speak in this way, Brother Regimental,” answered old Mael. Since they are subject to the law of nature, animals and plants are always innocent. They have no souls to save, whilst man-”
“You are right,” replied Brother Regimental, “it is quite a different thing. But do not send young Samuel to the dragon — the dragon might devour him. For the last five years Samuel is not in a state to show his innocence to monsters. In the year of the comet, the Devil in order to seduce him, put in his path a milkmaid, who was lifting up her petticoat to cross a ford. Samuel was tempted, but he overcame the temptation. The Devil, who never tires, sent him the image of that young girl in a dream. The shade did what the reality was unable to accomplish, and Samuel yielded. When he awoke he moistened
