Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/136

 When Zorah saw that she was perceived, she rose and came forward as if to draw water: but the man prevented her, and led her within the court where she was questioned concerning the company to whom she was known to belong.

She answered freely save when the leaders inquired concerning the events of the night: and then she held her peace. She neither regarded commands, nor hearkened to entreaties, nor feared threats. She declared,

“I have said thus far, and I will speak no more,” and folded her arms upon her bosom in silence.

“Our rulers say that the Nazarenes are liars,” said one man to another; “but this damsel hath spoken no lie. If she had declared falsely concerning the hiding-place of her kindred, our people would have ther she pointed. She only holds her peace.”

Zorah was borne into the women’s apartment of Paltiel’s dwelling, and the door was fastened so that she could not escape. She listened to the departing steps of the multitude, as they proceeded onwards up the mount, and it was a relief to hear no more the