"Let the woman go!" said the driver sternly.
In evident consternation the other obeyed. The woman fell forward, half-fainting, and the driver caught her.
"Be not afraid," he said. "And you, murderers, down at my feet and thank me that I have saved you your portion in the World-To-Come."
"Nay, you have lost it to us," said the one with the dagger. "For it was the vengeance of Heaven we were about to execute. Know that this is our sister, whom we have discovered to be a wanton creature, that must bring shame upon our learned house and into our God-fearing town. Whereupon we and her husband held a secret Beth-Din, and resolved, according to the spirit of our ancient Law, that this plague-spot must be cleansed out from Israel for the glory of the Name."
"The glory of the Name!" repeated the driver, and his eyes flamed. "What know you of the glory of the Name?"
Both brothers winced before the passion of his words. They looked at each other strangely and uneasily, but answered nothing.
"How dare you call any Jewess a plague-spot?" went on the driver. "Is any sin great enough to separate us irredeemably from God, who is in all things? Pray for your sister if you will, but do not dare to sit in judgment upon a fellow-creature!"
The woman burst into loud sobs and fell at his feet.
"They are right! they are right!" she cried. "I am a wicked creature. It were better to let me perish."
The driver raised her tenderly. "Nay, in that instant you repented," he said, "and one instant's repentance wins back God. Henceforward you shall live without sin."