Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/361

Rh divert the current of his thoughts, Caiaphas suggested an adjournment to the Temple, there to debate the point with other Jews; but in this he did but cheat himself, for all he yearned for was forgetfulness.

The animated conversation going on amongst the rabbis and the money-changers who hung about the Temple, and their fevered gestures, were ascribed—and rightly too—by Caiaphas and his companions to the stirring events of the previous day; and the obsequiousness of the greetings he received assured him that the crucifixion of the Nazarene had re-established the dominion he had feared to lose.

Presently the name of Judas arrested his attention, and he stopped near a little group of gesticulating Jews.

"We are here," he said, addressing one he knew, "to discuss the question of this money."

"Hast heard the news, rabboni?" replied the man.

"Aye, what news? These are strange times in the which news doth follow news so fast that one knoweth not which precedeth," answered Caiaphas, not wishing to show his curiosity, yet trembling with excitement.

"Iscariot is dead; he was found hanging in the potter's field this morning; and no one knoweth whether he did slay himself, or was slain by the disciples of that Nazarene who, God be praised, can harm us now no more."

"Dead, Iscariot dead?" Caiaphas held out his arm and, with feigned indifference, leaned against one of the great pillars of the Temple for support.