Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/111

 the guard without to enter and secure their comrades, one of whom ventured to hint that no good purpose would be answered by this severity.

An officer now sought an audience for certain of the Jewish elders. They were instantly admitted to a private conference, from which Pilate came forth with a countenance grave and full of care, to order that the guard should be released. Their comrades rejoiced, and made mirth of the fickleness of the governor.

In the guard-room, every one spoke of the recent events except the watch who had been at the sepulchre. They preserved a gloomy silence. Some wondered why Jesus had died within so few hours; but Lucius, the soldier who had pierced his side with a spear, told how warn he was with his previous sufferings; and his words were confirmed by some who had assisted in taking him down from the cross, and by others who had seen the body after it was swathed and laid on its cold couch in the sepulchre.

The centurion who had presided at the crucifixion sat apart, grave and silent, till Lucius inquired whether he had much intercourse