Pilate turned pale, and bit his lips with vexation.
"My lord priest, thou art bent, I see, on this innocent man's death. I am no Jew, to understand how he has drawn upon himself thy terrible wrath and that of thy nation. I will see what Herod will say, who, being a Jew, is familiar with your customs."
Pilate now reseated himself upon his throne to give hearing to other complaints.
After the lapse of half an hour a youth threw himself from his horse, at the door of the court, and drew near the Procurator.
"What aileth thee, Alexander?" demanded Pilate, on seeing blood on his temples and that he seemed faint.
"But a trifle now, my lord. I was thrown from my horse, who was startled at a burning torch lying on the ground, and was detained at a hospitable house until I was able to remount, which brings me hither late."
"And why come at all? What news sends my fair wife, that she should despatch you from my house in Bethany at this early hour? No evil tidings, boy?"
"None, my lord, save this note."
The Greek page then handed his master a small roll of parchment, tied with scarlet thread. He cut the knot with his dagger and reading the contents became deadly pale. Caiaphas watched him closely, as if he would read, reflected in his eyes, the contents of the note which had so deeply moved him.
"Caiaphas," said the Procurator, "this prisoner must be released!"