"I will."
Reb Moshe gave a convulsive start.
"Rabbi!" he exclaimed, "you are the wisest man that ever was, or will be on this earth; but has your wisdom considered all the consequences, and that this writing may detach the people from you and the covenant?"
Todros looked at him sternly:
"You do not know the spirit of the people if you can speak and think like that. Have not I and my fathers before me tried to mould and educate the people and make them faithful to their religion? Let him read the papers—let the abomination come forth from its hiding-place, where it has lain till now; it will be easier to fight against it and crush it down, once and for ever. Let him read it: the measure of his transgressions will then be full, and my avenging hand will come down upon him!"
A long silence followed upon these words. The master was absorbed in thought, and the humble follower looked at him in silent adoration.
"Moshe!"
"What is your will, Nassi?"
"That writing must be taken from him and delivered into my hands."
"Nassi! how is it to be taken from him?"