Page:The History of a Lie (1921).djvu/30

 “‘When you accepted the position from your predecessor, did he not give you certain instructions?’

“‘Me?’

“‘Yes, you! It was so from the day the first person was buried in this place.’

“‘Well, and what if he did give such instructions,—how does that concern you? This is the first time I am asked about this matter since I am employed here.’

“‘Because this happens once in a hundred years, and human life rarely fasts as long as that.’

“‘I see that you know about it, Rabbi,’ said the frightened watchman, ‘But I can obey you only if you mention the word which was given to me by my predecessor, because I took a sacred oath on the Bible.’

“The Polish Jew bent down and slowly pronounced a word of seven syllables.

“The watchman bowed respectfully.

“You are the Rabbi!’ he said. “Αll will be done as you command!’

“‘You will send away the friends who are feasting in your house before the clock strikes eleven. At the first stroke you will open the gates of the cemetery, and at the last stroke you will get into your house, lock the doors and windows, lie down in your bed and turn into a corpse together with the members of your household,—into a corpse that sees and hears nothing.’

“‘I will neither look nor listen.’

“‘The angel of death will leave your soul in your body and will force you to wander about among the graves to the end of time if you do not carry out my orders correctly. Now go, and remember that by virtue of your position you are the servant of the great Jerusalem synagogue. I need not tell you that you should not say anything to that vain, worldly man who brought me here.’

“Both returned to the gates, near which the banker was still on guard.

“‘Well,’ he said, ‘your desire is fulfilled, Rabbi, and you may inform my friend in Warsaw that Rosenberg and Son are always ready to do a favor to a guest recommended by such a personage. Now let us go home; my wife is waiting for us.’

“‘Let us go, my son,’ replied the Rabbi. ‘But relieve me of worldly pleasures, I shall spend the night in prayer!’