have mentioned it," the old fisherman said.
"But I thought you could tell me the truth, if anyone could."

"What have you heard?" asked Andrew, puzzled.

"Everyone is talking about your Rabbi," answered the man. "Is it true,
what they are saying?"

"I know nothing about it," said Andrew.

"I thought you would have heard," said the man, hesitating. "One of the
fishermen who listens to Jesus told us today that he intends to destroy
the Jewish religion!"

"That is nonsense!" cried Andrew. "Where did he ever...." Suddenly it
came to him: This was what the scribe was telling people! "Look here,"
said Andrew with great earnestness. "Do you really think that Jesus is
trying to keep people from believing in God and serving him?"

"Oh, I didn't say that!" laughed the old fisherman. "I was only telling
you what I heard." A questioning tone came into his voice. "But he
_does_ say that you do not have to obey Moses, doesn't he?"

Andrew did not know what to answer. It was true that Jesus had said
there were more important things than purifying the hands before eating!

"There is something else I heard," continued the older man. "How could a
really great Rabbi come from Nazareth? That town does not amount to
anything."

"What difference does it make where he comes from?" protested Andrew.

The old man shrugged and stood up. "It is a serious matter for your
Jesus to say all the great Rabbis are wrong. I always wondered if you
knew what you were doing when you gave up fishing." He looked keenly at
Andrew. "Today I took time off to go to listen to him myself. He talks
as if he knew more about God's will than Moses did! He goes too far for
me. After all, I am a Jew!" Abruptly he changed the subject. "Will you
stay for supper, Andrew?"

"No ... no. I think I had better be going," murmured Andrew. Hurriedly
he left. He was much upset by the words of this trusted friend. Purple
shadows filled the narrow streets. Most of the people were already
indoors. Andrew felt terribly alone. In his haste he tripped over a
broken cart wheel and he was startled by its loud clatter on the paving.
He began to run. He was relieved to get to Simon's home.

Jesus had not yet returned, but Andrew found the other disciples in the
midst of a serious conversation. "Everything the Master does proves that
God's power is in him," John was saying. "We need him! Everybody in
this city needs him!"

Andrew burst out: "Have you heard what people are sayi