Page:Meir Ezofovitch a novel, from the Polish of Eliza Orzeszko.djvu/319

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the whole evening and the greater part of the night, the large window, near the pointed roof, flickered with an uncertain light and people were seen moving about constantly. At the early dawn some people came out of the house by a side door and went into different directions.

Soon afterwards, strange news began to circulate about the town. The news was undefined, vague, told and explained in different ways, but such as it was, excited the liveliest curiosity amongst the people. The everyday work seemed to go on as usual, but in midst of the dashing and rattling of implements of handiwork a continual hum of conversation was going on. Nobody could point out the source from which sprung all the rumors which excited the public mind, they seemed to be floating in the air and pervading all the streets and alleys.

"To-day after sunset, the elders of the Cahala and the judges, with Rabbi Isaac at their head, will sit in judgment upon Meir Ezofovitch."

"How will they judge him? What will they do to him?"

"No! there will be no judgment. The bold grandson of Rebe Saul will come to the Bet-ha-Midrash and confess his sins before the rabbi and the people and ask forgiveness!"