"And what do you mean by 'no one to help when you're lost or need assistance?' Well, my friend, what do you think I'm doing here? And why do you think Marla comes by? We are helping. Never, never forget. There is always a helping hand -- always, always, always!

"And as to those who choose to be self-centered instead of compassionate, caring and helpful, let me repeat that ancient saying, 'The Mills of the Gods grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.' No angry God to punish or reward us. The system is set in such a way as to be self- balancing and self-functioning. We reward ourselves. We punish ourselves. Find the great secret and you will understand most all of these things."

"Our conversation this morning has given me quite a lot to consider, Gideon," I finally said. "Has anyone ever found this great secret?"

"Of course, John. There was Jesus. I think he demonstrated its highest use. And there were others you know such as Buddha, Mother Teresa, Mohammed, Zoroaster, Gandhi, Lincoln, Eric Butterworth and Dr. Thomas A.Dooley. Many others you've never heard of, for example: Barry Rosenbaum, Harnarine Singh, Rafael Martinez, Salvatore Bonano, Janet Jones and Marjorie Braithwaithe. And then there are some like Marla and Gideon."

"I guess, it must be worth searching for," I said.

"It's the 'Pearl of Great Price,' the most valuable thing you could ever want or hope for," he said, "it is the summum bonum of existence. And you've had glimpses of it on a number of occasions."

"I vaguely remember a few times when it seemed like I was being led by a powerful, knowing, loving force. Well, Gideon, we'll see...."

"Marla sends her love. She says she'll see you soon. I think she really likes you. Speaks of you a lot. Hmm. . . . Bye,John."

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