s, but hath both wit and
wisdom and speaketh with authority. Yet came neither his wisdom nor
authority from the Temple. So did the lawyers and scribes question
among themselves, and we held council. And to me it was given to
speak, calling in question his authority. And I did say, 'By what
authority dost thou speak things? And who gave thee this authority?'
For the moment he did not speak. Then he lifted up two such eyes upon
me as thou sayest look holes into the inward parts. And he did say,
'The baptism of John--whence was it? From Heaven or of men?' Then did
we see of a surety he had entrapped us, for hard by hung the multitude
that hold John the Baptiser,--whose father officiated in the Temple and
who would have succeeded to the priesthood had he not taken to the
wilderness shouting 'Repent, for the Kingdom be at hand!--as a great
and mighty prophet. If we answer him saying, 'The baptism of John is
of man,' then would they murmur and throw stones. If we say, 'The
baptism of John is of God,' then would this man of eyes say, 'Why did
ye not hear him?' and he would claim succession to the Priesthood
through the baptism of John."

"Thy speech doth upset my peace of mind if this is the man and he is
with the woman, for as I live she is curious in her notions and might
be taken with such words. But they will be coming soon. Watch well
and look closely."

"Thy words sound pleasant. But my watch will I keep between the cracks
of the water-jars. Once is enough to feel defeat by the wit of a
Galilean."

As the Temple lawyer spoke, voices were heard not far down the narrow
street. Both men stepped behind the jars. The lawyer sat low. Zador
dropped on his knees keeping his eyes above the edge of the vessel.
Several groups passed, laughing and talking, when the quick eye of the
lawyer caught sight of the friends from Bethany. "It is the Galilean
Rabbi," he whispered to Zador.

"Doth he walk with the woman?"

"Yea, following them all. But they pass. Look you."

Simon the Leper and two other elders walked in front with staffs. Then
Lazarus and Anna carrying between them a branch over which they were
making merry, while Joel and Martha followed close, singing bits of the
thanksgiving choral. Following them and apart, walked the Rabbi and
the woman Zador Ben Amon was waiting to see.

"He walketh with the woman," Zador said to himself. "With what eyes
doth he look upon her?"

"A veil doth hide her f