Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/67

 met that gaze; and as words fraught with deep and holy meaning fell upon his ear, he was not satisfied with hearing, but sought to understand.

Intent to listen, he heeded not the confusion of moving feet, nor the murmur of many tongues, nor did he mark that some had entered from whom every one drew apart. But when the glance of the Teacher passed from him to some who stood behind, and when the discourse was changed and the Prophet darkly said unto certain of the throng, that his hour was not yet come, Sadoc turned and saw with sorrow and shame that men sent by the rulers were about to lay hands on the Holy One. He flung aside his robe, and prepared himself to resist. Paltiel also sprang upon his feet; but once again they met the eye of the Prophet as he repeated that his hour was not yet come. They believed and paused. The servants of the rulers paused also. They hearkened awhile, loosening hold of their staves. Sadoc also was again intent; and when the Teacher ceased after the evening shades had fallen, his disciples saw that none were near but such as bowed themselves before him. If there were