In the doorway stood Judas, pale and with a distorted smile on his face. With a light movement John went up to him and kissed him three times. After him, glancing round at one another, James, Philip and the others came up shamefacedly; and after each kiss Judas wiped his mouth, but gave a loud smack as though the sound afforded him pleasure. Peter came up last.
“We were all stupid, all blind, Judas. He alone sees, He alone is wise. May I kiss you?”
“Why not? Kiss away!” said Judas as in consent.
Peter kissed him vigorously, and said aloud in his ear—
“But I almost choked you. The others kissed you in the usual way, but I kissed you on the throat. Did it hurt you?”
“A little.”
“I will go and tell Him all. I was angry even with Him,” said Peter sadly, trying noiselessly to open the door.
“And what are you going to do, Thomas?” asked John severely. He it was who looked after the conduct and the conversation of the disciples.
“I don’t know yet. I must consider.”
And Thomas thought long, almost the whole day. The disciples had dispersed to their occupations, and somewhere on the other side of the wall, Peter was shouting joyfully—but Thomas was still considering. He would have come to a decision more quickly had not Judas hindered him somewhat by continually following him about with a mocking glance, and now and again asking him in a serious tone—