Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/139

 beheld them afar. Now they had fled to the High Priest to implore help against the multitude, if it might be yet time to save the life of Paltiel.

They who beheld the countenances of the people had no hope that that life could be saved. The reproaches were loud, and the curses on the blasphemer were bitter; and the murderers could scarce refrain from blood till they had reached the place where Paltiel was to die. To speak was in vain, for no voice could be heard; and when the Nazarene women threw themselves in the way, and besought mercy by their tears, Paltiel made a sign to them to arise and be still. They sat đown by the way side, well knowing that they should see him no more.

Sadoc tarried not, but went side by side with his friend. When he found that the cry of the people was for blood, his heart became fixed like that of Paltiel; his eye was as calm and his step as firm.

“Is this man no longer thy friend,” said one to him, “that thou goest to look on his death without sorrow?”

“Because he is my friend, and I know what