"They that lift the sword shall perish by the sword," the Rabbi remarked quietly.
"Yea—thou speakest. So shall Jael the fisherman make thy words come true against him who hath in days past lifted the Roman blade to smite the Jew."
"Hast thou not heard the better way is to return good for evil?"
Jael turned a glance of astonishment on the Rabbi as he said, "Now know I for certain thou art no prophet. Doth not the Law say, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'? And wouldst thou do away with the Law?" and he lifted his oars as if desirous of getting away from an impostor.
"In thy ship would I also go," the Rabbi said. "Peter with James and
John and others of my brethren soon cometh and I go with them."
"And art thou a fisherman as well as a wonder worker?" There was mockery in the voice of Jael.
"Yea, of such fish as thou art."
"Call me not a fish," Jael retorted angrily. "Because thou hast a following and I yet toil, dost thou call me fish!"
"Take no offense, Jael," the Rabbi said kindly. "Such fish as thou are Sons of God not yet caught in the drag-net of His calling. Go with me into the deeper waters and thou shalt learn."
The sound of husky voices raised in snatches of song and speech came from behind the band of rushes and a moment later a sailboat with full crew and loaded with nets, rode into view.