‘Good night, holy Jabaster. Thou art our cornerstone.’
‘Israel hath no other hope but in Jabaster.’
‘My Lord,’ said Abidan, ‘remain, I pray, one moment.’
‘What is’t? I fain would go.’
‘Alroy must die, my Lord, but dost thou think a single death will seal the covenant?’
‘The woman?’
‘Ay! the woman! I was not thinking of the woman. Asriel, Ithamar, Medad?’
‘Valiant soldiers! doubt not we shall find them useful instruments. I do not fear such loose companions. They follow their leaders, like other things born to obey. Having no head themselves, they must follow us who have.’
‘I think so too. There is no other man who might be dangerous?’
Zalmunna and Scherirah cast their eyes upon the ground. There was a dead silence, broken by the prophetess.