mselves that the
business was going well. Dathan, conspicuous by his apparel, then
volunteered a statement. He said: "I know one of his followers from
whom I could easily gain some information if I could offer him a
sufficient reward."

Caiaphas at once authorized him, "If thou findest such a one make all
necessary promises in our name. Only don't loiter; we must attain our
end before the feast."

Annas enjoined the strictest silence, to which with one voice the
traders responded, "We swear it," and then Caiaphas proceeded to urge
upon them the need of creating a party on their side among the people.
"If, my good fellows, you really desire fully to glut your longing for
revenge, then take care and use every means to kindle in others the
same holy zeal which glows in you."

They answered that they had not waited for his prompting, but had
already brought several others over to their side. "We will not rest
until the whole populace is roused against him."

Annas and Caiaphas applauded their zeal. "You will thereby merit the
greatest gratitude from the council," said Annas, and Caiaphas chimed
in, "Openly will ye then be honored before all the people as you have
been today put to shame before them by this presumptuous man."

"Our life for the law of Moses and the holy Sanhedrin," then cried the
traders. "The God of Abraham guide you," said Caiaphas dismissing
them, and they left the hall crying aloud, "Long live Moses! long live
the high priests and the Sanhedrin! Even today may the role of the
Galilean be played out!"

Then Caiaphas addressed these parting words to the council: "As though
refreshed by sweet slumbers, I live once more. With such men as these
we can put everything through. Now we shall see who will triumph,--he
with his followers to whom he is always preaching love,--a love which
is to include publicans and sinners and even the Gentiles also,--or we
with this troop inspired by hate and revenge which we are sending
against him. There can be no doubt to which side the victory will
incline."

"The God of our fathers give us the victory!" said Annas; "joy in my
old age will renew my youth!"

Then said Caiaphas, "Let us now break up, looking forward with
confidence to the joy of victory. Praised be our fathers!"

And all the assembly with a deep, sonorous voice exclaimed, "Praised be
the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob!"

CHAPTER II.

JESUS' LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM.