Birthright

in your ... ah ... last hours.”

“I'm good for three or four more days yet, priest,” said Rodat. “Don't go rushing me off before I'm good and ready to go.”

“That's quite all right,” said Mihal, seating himself on the floor beside the old man. “I'll stay right here with you to the end.”

“Going to give me a real good send-off, eh?” “View it as helping you prepare to be taken to the bosom of your Maker,” said Mihal. “Let Him wait until I'm good and ready,” said Rodat. “I'm in no hurry.” “I don't mean to be presumptuous,” said Mihal, “but I can't help thinking your attitude is all wrong. This is God you're talking about, not some landlord to be put off with a sneer. This is the Creator of all things, who is preparing to take you into His kingdom.” The old man stared at him for moment, then turned and spat on the rotting floor. “Priest,” he said at last, “you've got a lot to learn. I believe in the same God you do, and I believe in Him more devoutly than you do.”

“Then ask his forgiveness, and surely it will be given,” said Mihal, wondering what kind of madman he was ministering to.

“Ask His forgiveness?” said Rodat. “For what?” “For Man's transgressions against God's law,” said Mihal. “Do you believe all that, or are you just spewing it out by rote?” asked the old man. “I beg your pardon!” said Mihal.

“Don't,” said Rodat. “If I can get along without begging God's pardon, you certainly don't have to apologize to me. Maybe you ought to just leave me and peddle your religion elsewhere.” “I'm not in the peddling business,” said Mihal hotly. “Whether or not you believe in the religion has absolutely no bearing on the truth of it. If all the Men who ever lived did not believe in God, would that make His existence any less real?”

“Don't confuse God with religion, priest,” said the old man. “God has always been around. It's religion that comes and goes with the seasons.”

Mihal leaned over and wiped some sweat from the old man's brow. “You're burning up with fever,” he said, “Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?” “Shutting your mouth would be a pretty good start,” said Rodat. “What have you got against me?” asked Mihal. “All I want to do is help you.” “You can help me by leaving me alone. I'll give you plenty of warning so you can be in for the kill.”