Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/56

 him, and hearken to his words in our dwelling!”

“Yet thou didst fear to meet him awhile ago, my sister.”

“Rachel’s first-born had not then died, and I had not heard the wisdom which thou hast since told me.”

“I will hear it again; behold, I go forth even now,” said Sadoc.

“Seek him,” said Michal, “and ask concerning the life in death. If he shall tell thee that the spirit indeed lives while the body decays, I will no longer fear to die; nor will I despair if thou shouldst first depart, my brother!”

They descended to the porch, after Sadoc had prepared himself to go forth. Michal closed the gate when her brother had disappeared in the darkness, and retired to her chamber to meditate and pray.

Jesus of Nazareth had sent away his disciples, and retired alone among the hills. Sadoc dared not approach him this night; but he drew nigh unto the place, that he might see him as he returned to Capernaum. He laid himself down in the mouth of a cave, and slept