Page:The Dial (Volume 75).djvu/67

Rh (Paul awakes, and seeing the three figures, looks round with staring eyes, like one who believes to be the victim of an hallucination.)

(springing to his feet): Who are ye? Is this cave the habitation of evil spirits? I must escape Yonder is daylight.

Hast forgotten knocking at our door last night?


 * The Essenes, the Essenes, only the Essenes! I was overcome with sleep and the dream was so heavy upon me that I knew not where I was. Thank God, it was but a dream! But my fellow, Timothy, where is he? And he who slept by me on this balcony?


 * Jesus, our shepherd—


 * Jesus! Jesus!


 * Jesus, our shepherd, has gone in search of thy fellow. Hast forgotten Timothy?


 * Forgotten Timothy? No. But ye startled me out of a dream, or were ye three standing round me whilst I dreamt? It must be so, for I was dreaming of myself on a spar amid foaming seas when my eyes opened upon you in your white garments.


 * And mistook us, belike, for angels. I bring thee bread and a jug of milk freshly drawn.


 * Having travelled far I am weary still, and footsore, despite the shepherd's bathing of my feet. Where is he?

Have we not said that he has gone in search of Timothy?

(Exit Caleb. Whilst Paul is eating Mathias enters, followed by Bartholomew, Benjamin, Shallum, Eleazor, Eliakim.)

(to Paul): Our President has charged me to bid thee welcome and to tell thee that he hopes thou'lt stay with us till thou'rt rested.

(Enter Caleb with a plate of lentils, which he hands to Paul)


 * Salute thy President for me and tell him that I slept well, but the ache of travel has not yet left my bones and I would tarry here till midday, if I may without hindrance to anybody.

Hazael will be with thee soon and doubtless thy request will be granted, for we would hear thee tell of the Lord Jesus,