Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/55

Rh him; and all the Jews believed that Nicodemus (who, it is known, loveth the Lord) had persuaded him to hear His words. He had just finished the words: 'Though ye believe not Me, believe the works; that ye may know and believe that the Father is in Me and I in Him.' Then, as He spoke these words, the multitude raised a mighty voice; 't was, some said, as if it thundered: 'Works—what works? Heal Lazarus, and we will believe.' '

"'T is verily a marvel," murmured Mary.

But the Magdalene went on: "Then, when the crowd grew even more angry and came nearer, as though to strike the Christ, the wily Caiaphas did choose that moment to send forth soldiers; and a centurion rushed into their midst followed by ten soldiers. 'Seize ye Him,' he cried; and all the multitude with one voice shouted, 'Seize Him, crucify Him, for He blasphemeth'; and every now and then a voice cried out, 'Show us Lazarus whole,' and all the time Caiaphas stood and watched to see them seize the Lord. The soldiers were upon Him. James doth tell me that the Roman centurion's brown hand did rest upon the white garments of the Nazarene, when suddenly he fell back as one that had seen a vision, and, while he stood with gaping mouth and wide-open eyes, the Nazarene did disappear.

"And now where is he?" asked Mary, after a brief pause.

"He hath gone again to Jordan, and will tarry many days," rejoined the Magdalene.

"Then Lazarus my brother will die," wailed Mary, and, giving way at last to the human grief,