"He never was proud!"
"He fed my foolish child and kissed it!"
"He saved my old father when the cart had fallen upon him!"
"He worked with us like a common man, and sawed wood!"
"His face shone with beauty and intelligence!"
"All eyes rejoiced looking at his young age!"
"Herem!! Herem! Herem!" (Excommunicated) repeated many.
Then they shook their heads in wonder, faces paled with horror, and breasts heaved with sighs.
***
Three shadows glided swiftly over the moonlit deserted fields which separated the town from the Karaite's Hill. The first belonged to a tall, slender man; the second to a child who clung to the sleeve of his garment; these two shadows were so close together that often they formed but one; the third shadow showed the outline of a burly figure, which kept carefully in the distance, now and then stood still or doubled up, at times disappearing altogether behind palings, shrubs, or trees. It was evident the shadow wanted to hide itself, and was looking for something, listening and watching for something or somebody.