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44 We can get this man to Caesarea by ways known only to us.

We can indeed, and be sure I'll lead him to safety.


 * An evil blow might befall thee, or many stripes, or a stoning.


 * No matter, master, if thy life be spared, thy life being worth twenty such lives as mine.


 * I am but a shepherd on the hills of Kerith like thyself.


 * Thou'rt up on high, Master, and we're down here. But thou'rt always in our thoughts, whether we be speaking of sheep or the sick. Of what art thou thinking? I said yesterday to a man whose thoughts had wandered from me, and he told me the story of a ram gotten by thee hard-by Caesarea—the original Adam of the flock; and when he heard from me that thou wast about to bid the hills farewell, he sighed and began the story of his wife, who was bedrid for three years, and would be still if thou hadst not called to her from the door: Woman, rise and dress thyself No, thou'rt only one of us outwardly. The sick ask for something thou hast touched, the laces of thy shoon, a strip from a veil thou hast worn. We cannot spare thee, Master, and I would not have thee go to Caesarea with that man.


 * But it is with this man I would go, for I know the secret ways better than thou. (Approaching Paul.) So speak no more, Jacob, of being this man's guide, I am his guide. But come with me to the hills and we will warn the shepherds hard-by that if a stranger comes to them for bread or drink, they must give it to him and put him on his way.

(Jesus and Jacob go up the stage, and Saddoc, Manahem, and Caleb enter.)

Our guest still sleeps. Do not awaken him, and when his eyes open tell him that I return in an hour to guide him to Caesarea.

(Exit Jesus and Jacob. The Essenes come down to Paul.)

He sleeps like one that naught could awaken but the trumpets of Judgement, and I would it were so, for I am not forgetful of the great danger it is for us to hide a man who is alike an enemy of both Jews and Romans.