Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/324

312 his narrow mind teaching him the words to use that most would wound the Man whom all Judæa knew feared nothing.

But no answering, wrathful cry responded to this taunt. Slowly the Nazarene raised His eyes and let them fall upon the little, cringing priest.

"I spake only to the world; I even taught in the Synagogue and in the Temple whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou Me? Ask them which heard Me what I have said unto them; behold they know what I said."

Each word lashed the ignominious heart of Annas as with whip-cords. Yes, it was late in the day to ask this young rabbi, after three years of ministry, what were His doctrines. Was it not for those very doctrines that He stood there? His words unearthed, as with a pickaxe, and laid bare the scheming, lying, malicious stirring of the old priest's heart. He shivered, as he might shiver were his body lying exposed and naked beneath the winter's moon.

A blow, a stinging blow, fell on the pale, meek face. Surely it could not be that a man could strike the Lord and live! The cup was filling quickly, salt and vinegar taking the place of wine. Strength, oh, strength to drink it; but never a cry or a word.

"Answerest Thou the High Priest so? Thou Galilean, Thou son of—" His words were checked, he knew not how or why, but it seemed as though his tongue lay paralysed.

Once more the gentle voice was raised: "If I have