"I do not blame him for not wanting to go back to Galilee right away," remarked Andrew as they walked.
"The people certainly do not follow him as they once did," agreed Simon.
"Things are not as bad as he thinks," said Andrew. "There are many people who would go anywhere with us. These scribes have turned some people against us, but we can win them back!"
Simon shook his head. "Perhaps. But the Master has usually known what to expect. He has not been wrong other times."
"Oh, I am sure it is just discouragement!" insisted Andrew. "He will get over it."
Peter, however, was not satisfied. All the way down through the deep ravines that descended to the Jordan he said nothing. The sun was behind the hills by the time the disciples entered the dense growth of trees. The road was narrow, and they had to pick their way with care because of roots and overhanging branches. John looked fearfully from left to right as they went farther and farther into the forest.
"I don't think it is very safe in here at night," he whispered to James. Several of the men were keeping a sharp watch, peering into the trees and turning to look behind. They wondered if Jesus knew that the tangled undergrowth might conceal vicious animals.
"He must want to cross the river before nightfall," answered James.
Peter and Andrew took no notice of the blackness of the jungle. At last Peter said: "The Master does not get easily discouraged. He means more than we think when he says he is going to die. He will tell us plainly if we ask him."
"Oh, let's not talk to him now!" replied Andrew quickly. "I think we understand."