Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/206

194 had been the strong point of the Pharisees and Sadducees; but, now that the miracle had been accomplished, his arguments had been greatly strengthened, while those of the disbelieving Jews and of the scribes and Pharisees had been proportionately weakened.

Caiaphas was now eager to be rid of his guest, that he might think over this event in silence, and form alone his schemes of tyranny and vengeance. He could not but be conscious that this raising of Lazarus, whether a real miracle, or some trickery, had changed the aspect of affairs, and would lessen his hold upon the people. He started, for in his musings he had forgotten Pilate's presence.

"What thinkest thou now?" asked Pilate.

"Now, now; why should I think differently?" answered Caiaphas. "I think the people are gone mad, and that the Nazarene hath a devil." His voice and tone were sore and irritable.

Pilate rose to go. "Thou wilt not be persuaded, Caiaphas. Yet I hold Him free from all sin. I will go farther into this affair and, mayhap, will see privily the Nazarene," said Pilate; "and if I find no guile in Him I will let Him go, shouldst thou lay hands on Him, and will condemn Barabbas."

The tone was defiant and abrupt, and he left with a blunt farewell, to return to the Palace of Herod, where the Roman Procurators were wont to stay at the time of feasts, in order to keep order in Jerusalem. In his heart he wondered what Claudia would say at this fresh news.

Caiaphas shrugged his shoulders. Then, when Pilate's departing footsteps were no longer audible,