Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/115

 had set the evening watch, he departed, with Lucius for his companion, towards the abode where the followers of Jesus were known to assemble.

There were they met together this night. Those who had fled in terror from Gethsemane assembled in the city to bewail the destruction of their hope. Their grief was now changed to perplexity; for some brought tidings too marvellous to be believed, yet too distinct and frequent to be scorned. But a few hours ago, all wept together; now, some still mourned; but others rejoiced with exceeding joy; and many were in doubt, and conferred together how these things could be. The gate of the house was close shut, and two disciples sat in the porch to keep watch against the enmity of the rulers. They discoursed together as they sat.

“Did some suppose that he had committed crime because he spake compassionately to a thief?” said Paltiel.

“Some of the soldiers so believed,” replied Sadoc; “but his followers know too well his custom in this matter to marvel at any words of love that he ever spoke. We heard how