Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/88

 supposed that the lepers had perished in the storm, and rejoiced. They listened for the cry of the jackal, but they heard it not. They looked whether the carrion-bird came from afar; but there was no flapping of wings in the air.

Meantime, they that had been lepers hastened on their way. When the roads parted, one after another turned aside towards his home; and a cry of joy arose as each departed to mingle again among his kindred.

Philip opened his heart unto the disciple as he journeyed, and told him of a sorrow which he had hidden until now. He had one son, a young child, on whom he feared that the curse of leprosy would light; and he besought the disciple to free this child from the taint.

“Upon me be it visited again,” he said, “so that the child may be pure. Mine own grief I bore willingly; but when I thought that my son should one day abide where I abode, and mourn as I mourned, my spirit groaned.”

“I knew not of this,” said Jotham. “Wherefore was it kept from me, for I would have sorrowed with thee?”