"And," said Titus, his face clearing before that laugh as he directed
his words to the little shepherd, "Jerusalem shall have another
chance."
Transfiguration brightened the small dusky face. He put up his hands
for that blessing that was a part of his farewell.
"May my God supply all thy need according to his riches in glory, by
Jesus Christ. Amen!"
Titus, with a bowed head, touched his horse, and in response to a
silent flash of an uplifted sword the picked six hundred of Cæsar's
army rode on in the subdued thunder of hoof and the music of jingling
harness toward Jerusalem.
After a long time there came the quick patter of a running flock and
the multitudinous complaint of lambs, and up from the east rushed the
mob of sheep. Behind them trotting comfortably were the mounted
scouts. The ten privates wore scornful countenances highly expressive
of their contempt for the unwarlike restitution they had been forced
to make, but as they rode past when the sheep swept out of the road to
their tender, Sergius, the decurion, dropped back and with his tongue
in his cheek made such jovial threatening signs that the little
shepherd laughed again.
The squad galloped after the main body and were lost to view. Many of
the Jews called to the little shepherd, but after a time travel was
resumed on the road and deep monotonous composure settled upon the
valley again.
But Joseph, the Christian, turned into the high grass of the meadow
with bowed head and clasped hands.
"Lord Jesus, what may I do for Thee?" he asked impulsively.
He stopped suddenly. At his feet lay the silent sleeper in the grass.
On the tall growth upstanding about the prostrate form were clear
shining scarlet drops. The little shepherd turned white and threw
himself down on his knees beside the still figure and put his hand
over the heart. Then he lifted his face to the skies.
"I was sick and ye visited me," he whispered radiantly.