The Rabbi was right; he spoke from bitter experience, and Mendel slipped his hand into that of his teacher and gazed thoughtfully before him.
"A great head," muttered the old man, looking fondly at the boy. "If his energies are directed into the proper channels, he will become a shining light in Israel."
"Come, Mendel, let us go home," he said aloud, and they started silently for the town, both too much engrossed in thought to speak. Only once, Mendel asked:
"Rabbi, you are not offended by my questions?" and the Rabbi replied:
"No, my boy. On the contrary, I am glad that you are beginning to think for yourself. The world is but a group of thinkers and the best heads among them are usually leaders. This has been an agreeable walk to me. Let us repeat it soon."
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," cried Mendel, with undisguised delight. "And if you will be so kind, I should like to hear all about your travels."
The Rabbi promised, and, having reached the Jewish quarter, pupil and teacher parted for their respective homes.
FOOTNOTES:
[6] Wallace, p. 179.
[7] Foulke, "Slav or Saxon," p. 91.