Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/135

 escape. They are doubtless retired to some secret place to pay their impious worship, and they will return to finish their feast.”

Nevertheless, he caused search to be made in every neighbouring place. Some who dwelt in a habitation nigh at hand, were roused from sleep by the tumult, and opened their gates to such as would see whether Paltiel was hidden there or not: but they said, and with truth, that they knew not what had become of him who had passed their gate at eventide, and of his friends who awaited his approach.

One who could have told concerning all, overheard what was said. It was Zorah, the daughter of Hanoch, she who had returned from the company on the mountain side, to watch what the multitude should do. She was a young maiden who loved Paltiel as if he had been her father; and she risked her own safety that she might bear tidings to him before the morning should dawn. She had seated herself behind the stone which was used to cover the mouth of the cistern; and no one would have seen her, if a man had not supposed that the cistern might be dry, and that the Nazarenes had hidden themselves there.