As well as he might,
he concentrated his mind upon other things. He noted that the shadows
were long like those of afternoon. Turning his head, he saw that the
pillar stood behind the encampment and that its light was thrown
forward and downward, not backward and outward. Very manifestly, the
benefits of the miracle were only for the believers in Jehovah. The
marvel brought into the young man's mind some natural speculation
concerning the great miracle-worker to whom his guide was leading him.
What manner of man was he about to look upon,--a sorcerer, a trafficker
in horrors, a confounder of men?
Ahead, particularly illumined by the celestial light, was a group of
elders--great, grave men, misted in the flying fleeces of their own
beards. They bent firmly against the blast and the broad streaming of
their ample drapings added much to the idea of supernatural power and
resistance they inspired.
The Hebrew leading Kenkenes slackened his step as if hesitating to
approach so venerable a council, when suddenly the group separated,
revealing a majestic man about whom it had been clustered.
After a word in his own tongue, delivered with bent head and
deferential attitude, the Hebrew stood aside.
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