Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/339

Rh of ignominy and suffering, of trial and of condemnation, had been foretold. Naught else would avail if man was to be saved. As man looks round on man, he wonders where the need to save is shown, or what is worth in man to save.

In the house of the Magdalene they found the virgin mother, who had come from Nazareth for one last look at her God-begotten Son. One by one, believing women added themselves to the little knot of mourners.

Every now and then a disciple, or some friend, came in with gleanings of news that brought sometimes anguish, sometimes comfort, to their souls. At one moment it was a fresh incident of that night's suffering, at another that Pilate would not condemn.

"What sayeth the multitude?" asked the Magdalene of Nicodemus, who came for one brief instant.

"The multitude? What doth the Jewish multitude ever to them who are down-trodden? It treadeth down the more. Every Jew is born thus," replied Nicodemus angrily. "They do cry, 'Crucify Him! Crucify Him!' and they will that Barabbas be released."

"Barabbas for the Lord?" murmured the Magdalene. "It seemeth past man's understanding!"

Towards midday Lazarus came with the news of what had passed before Pontius Pilate. So changed and weary was his face, that Martha and Mary bade him be seated, and refreshed him by bathing his temples in vinegar before they would let him speak; albeit their hearts were bursting with anxiety and eagerness to hear.