Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/271

Rh facile religion of the Romans, who could thus lightly add to their list of deities.

"Yet methinks," went on another, "that there must be sedition in the air; else why hath the Nazarene chosen this time of the Passover, when Jerusalem is full of all nations, Greeks and Gentiles, to come into the city and incite the people?"

"Thinkest thou that He will come?" asked the High Priest doubtfully. "Iscariot brought me word yesterday that the plot was known; yea, more, that Martha, the sister of Lazarus, had reviled him about the thirty pieces of silver. How thinkest thou they know? For even Pilate knew not of this thing."

"They have amongst themselves, I am told," said one, "some spirit of divination or sooth-saying, such as was used by Saul; for they all seem to know whatsoever every man doth think, and have Satan to assist them." Then, to himself, he muttered, "Nay, but He will not come, He dare not come to Jerusalem."

But, even while he spoke, there rose loud cries on the clear, cold air; shrieks that seemed to rend the skies and pierce to the very heart of Caiaphas. "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Like men possessed, drawn by some magnetic power they were unable to resist, the little gathering of Pharisees and scribes moved to the open windows and to the balconies and terraces. But Caiaphas seemed to shrink up in his seat, with lowered, scowling brow and clenched fists, which he beat every now and then against the couch with fury; and his countenance was filled with menace; while the cry,