The companion

And it came to pass that a man nearing his fifties did come forward and enquire: "And what of God? I have followed him steadfastly, yet in my time of need, I feel not his presence?"

And then said he, "verily, I say unto you, when thou walkest upon the beach, thou seest footprints other than thine own. Those footprints are Gods."

And the man did say, "yet see I no footprints upon the beach when in times of trouble I do walk alone"

And the crowd was filled with a deep and sombre silence.

And then, a mother carrying a child did come forward.

And thus spake he, "just as that woman carries forth her child, with love and affection, so carryeth the almighty upon his shoulders, the souls of men in trouble. The footprints that thou seest walking alone, are not yours but Gods"