“I see but through a glass darkly, and I continue to pray for wisdom and guidance and the light of his lamp to go before my feet. There is a work for me to carry out here, I do sense that. I do not think it will have political or national significance such as your involvement in the resistance may. When this time is past, people the world over may recognize your name, but I doubt anyone will have heard of me. Different callings are given us by our Father. Much of the work he needs done is quiet and private and individually personal. Such, at least for now, is the calling I sense to be mine. I feel God may give me to speak to men’s spiritual needs in the midst of the darkness, rather than to try to eliminate the cause of that darkness. I will continue to offer safe haven to all those who seek it under our roof.”

“That could eventually prove dangerous.”

“Danger is coming to us all,” rejoined the baron, saying nothing about the Gestapo visit that had already come. “It is not avoiding danger that is our calling, but to find our own work in the midst of it, that which God purposes for us to do in service to his people. It may be that I will do what you hope to do for your sister, though what form a network of escape would take I do not know.”

“There are already those talking about such things,” added Bonhoeffer.

“I am in touch with a few people,” said the baron. “The ministry of Lebenshaus may be to give life and retreat and seclusion in new ways than we have seen before. To do the Lord’s will as he reveals it, that is my only plan and purpose.”

“And mine!” rejoined Bonhoeffer. “There is no other plan we can or should have than that.”

“May God help us to discern his purpose.”

“Amen!”

With one accord the two friends began to pray, committing their way unto the Father of them both, then praying, each in his turn, for the other.

When they opened their eyes fifteen minutes later, both wore solemn expressions.

“I do believe you are right,” said Bonhoeffer. “The snow will not hold off much longer. I must be off in hopes of outdistancing it as I head south. I have at least to make my destination for tonight.”

The baron led him downstairs.

At the foot of the stairs they stopped and shook hands, then embraced. They held one another tightly for several long seconds, then slowly stepped back. Their eyes were wet.

“Godspeed, my friend Bonhoeffer,” said the baron in a husky voice full of emotion. “I will thank my God upon every remembrance of you, and I will never cease praying for you.”