"Wherefore the High Priest is troubled, and, laying aside all his private ambitions, henceforward he will devote himself to the preservation of the faith," the Levite continued.
"Which means," Eleazar interrupted, "the persecution of the apostate."
The Levite spread out his hands and lifted his shoulders. The Rabbi Eleazar forged too far ahead.
"It is our duty, Eleazar," Saul said, "to discover if this Galilean preaches heresy. Let us go to the synagogue."
Eleazar arose, a towering man, broad, heavy and slow, but his rising was as the rising of opposition.
"I am enlisted in the teaching of the Law, not in the suppression of heresy," he said bluntly. "Furthermore, my work here is not yet complete. Wilt thou excuse me, my brother?"
"Let me not keep thee from thy duty," Saul answered courteously.
"Joel! Come with me," Eleazar commanded, and together the two disappeared into the interior of the college.
Then the young man who had held his place came out of the shadows into the broad beam of the sun, which fell now over Saul.
"Peace to thee, Saul," he said; "peace and greeting." The voice, in contrast to the tones of the men who had lately discussed, was very calm and level, restrained by cultivation, yet one which is never characteristic of an undecided nature.