e wisdom of the Galilean Prophet."

"A member of the Great Sanhedrin taken with strange teachings!" Joel
exclaimed in surprise.

"Elizabeth hath declared him the Messiah," Mary said thoughtfully.

"Women are given to vain words," was Joel's answer. "It is said this
Galilean Prophet is no prophet at all, but the son of a carpenter in a
poverty-ridden fishing town."

Lazarus reflected a moment before saying, "I know not from whence the
King of the Jews shall come to restore again the throne of David, but
if this Jesus is he, and need wealth, mine shall he have."

"Thou wouldst give to him but not to the poor? A great head hast thou
for business, my friend Lazarus!" and Joel laughed.

"Aye, but for the establishment of the Kingdom, what man of Israel
would not give of his riches, even of his life?"

Further conversation was stopped by a knocking at the door. Hastening
to answer it, Lazarus opened to Joseph of Arimathea. He wore the rich
Sanhedrin robe of silk and Egyptian linen heavily embroidered and his
phylacteries were bound on his forehead with wide soft thongs. His
tall and stately bearing, his flowing beard and official dress gave him
dignity that impressed even Eli who rendered him the usual courtesies
with alacrity. "Late I am," he said as the servant unloosed his
sandals, "but the highway is thronged with pilgrims getting in for
to-morrow's celebration."

"Glad we are that of all the guests, thou comest to sup under our roof.
Meat is ready. Come, let us to the table."

With Joseph at the head of the table, Mary by Lazarus and Martha by
Joel, the meal began. Eli passed bowls of water for the washing of
hands. Grace was said and then after a second hand cleansing, wine was
poured and thanks said over the cups, after which came the meat, and as
they ate they talked.

"About the Galilean Prophet were we speaking," Lazarus said.

"The young Rabbi is much in the mouths of both Temple scribes and
pilgrims in the street. Some have praise for his words of wisdom.
Others, stung ofttimes by his rebukes, attack him cunningly. The way
in which he doth answer those who would entangle him doth please me.
To-day in the Temple he was cleverly attacked by some Pharisees who
drew the attention of a crowd by accusing him of having such speech
with a publican and a harlot as the Law doth not allow. With few words
did he tell of a man who had two sons. To the one did he say, 'Son,
wilt thou do a service for t