road was narrow, and they had to pick their way with care because of
roots and overhanging branches. John looked fearfully from left to right
as they went farther and farther into the forest.

"I don't think it is very safe in here at night," he whispered to James.
Several of the men were keeping a sharp watch, peering into the trees
and turning to look behind. They wondered if Jesus knew that the tangled
undergrowth might conceal vicious animals.

"He must want to cross the river before nightfall," answered James.

Peter and Andrew took no notice of the blackness of the jungle. At last
Peter said: "The Master does not get easily discouraged. He means more
than we think when he says he is going to die. He will tell us plainly
if we ask him."

"Oh, let's not talk to him now!" replied Andrew quickly. "I think we
understand."

Peter looked at him narrowly. "We ought to ask him, Andrew," he
insisted. "We must be sure!"

"There is time enough later on." Andrew was evasive.

"I believe you are afraid of what he might say!" Andrew would not meet
his brother's eyes. "Come with me!" Almost by force, Peter pulled his
brother along until they had overtaken Jesus.

"Master," said Peter, "tell us plainly what you meant by saying that you
must die."

"If I go straight on with the task God has given me to do, I shall be
killed. You know what the Prophet says about God's servant: 'He was
despised, and rejected of men.'"

"But, Master," interrupted Andrew, "what good can dying do? If you are
killed, how can we ever save the Jews?"

"Not even the Son knows the will of the Father in some matters," replied
Jesus. "God's servants cannot always understand him. He asks us only to
obey and trust him."

"You take away every hope!" cried Andrew. "What is going to become of
us?"

Peter put his arm across his brother's shoulder to restrain him.

"Anyone who wants to save his own life will surely lose it," said Jesus
gently. "But if you are willing to lose your life for my sake, you will
find true life."

Andrew's mind was whirling. He could not grasp the meaning of Jesus'
words. Only Peter's strong grip on his shoulder kept him from answering
with senseless protests.

They dropped behind the others and Andrew burst out: "We are wrong! All
this time we have been wrong!" He looked desperately at Peter and
whispered, "Let us go back to our fishing boats, brother!" They stood
facing each other in a little clearing.

Andrew's pa