Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/360

348 haunted him? What meant this great unrest? Once more he saw the twilight scene, the rocks, the faint blue light 'twixt morn and night. No loving arms were round him, no sweet voices soothed the lonely horror of his cogitations. Daughter and kindred and wife, all were subordinated to that all-absorbing self that had neither ears nor eyes except for the thing desired, the furthering of ambitious schemes, the fulfilment of self-seeking dreams.

The hours went on, but none brought the joyful news that this Nazarene was crucified. What stirring wonders there might yet be betwixt Jerusalem and Golgotha! Spies brought him word that Pilate still kept within his house, apparently much disturbed. A messenger had been sent after the procession that followed the cross. Two soldiers had been despatched to Golgotha. Wherefore? What did it mean? What hidden plot was gendering in the heart of the proud Governor? He was capable of acting in defiance alike of king and law. What if he had acquiesced in the crucifixion of the Nazarene only to release Him afterwards? What if the Nazarene should come to life again, like Lazarus?

The night wore on, and the harrowing meditations of the High Priest ceased only in the morning, when Annas came, and with him other priests, to discuss the question of the disposal of the thirty pieces of silver scattered by Judas in the Temple court, but since collected. No time should be lost in dealing with this sum.

As if by mutual consent, no one broached the subject that lay next their hearts, the condemning of the Nazarene. Glad of any change that might