Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/186

174 "I believe thee, most noble Pontius," said the Magdalene simply. Then, in an awestruck voice, that had in it a strange impressiveness, she said: "To-morrow Lazarus will be raised from the dead."

Pilate started. "Woman, what sayest thou? How knowest thou?"

"Verily 't is true, most noble Pilate. Lazarus hath visited me this morn and told me so."

"Then, if Lazarus came to thee, he is not dead," said Pontius musingly.

" 'T was but his spirit, noble Roman. His body hath lain in the grave three days. If thou wilt send to see, thou wilt find that he is still there. Indeed, a Roman soldier guardeth it."

Pilate rose and walked to the window; then, after a few minutes' silence, he turned to the Magdalene: "Almost I believe thee, woman, for thou speakest in tones of truth. Yet how can I help thee in this matter? Why comest thou to me?" The last words were uttered almost impatiently, as though he disputed the responsibility she would fasten upon him.

"Ah, noble Pilate, it is well known throughout all Jewry that thou and thy wife Claudia do love the Nazarene."

"Love is a strong word, woman," answered Pontius Pilate; I do much admire this Nazarene for His power and for His courage, in that He feareth not death, and also doth try to redress the wrongs of the afflicted; for a redresser of wrong is at all times deemed a madman. My wife, too, hath filled my thoughts with talk of Him of late, for she, like all women, hath a weakness for them who defy the