"For the last time," said Judas, "so he says."
"What!" said they, "for the last time? Is he then never going to leave the land of Judea again?"
"Why do you ask me this so eagerly?" said Judas, "do you wish to become his followers?"
"Why not?" said the traders with a laugh, "if the prospects are good;" and Dathan added, "Explain to us, Judas, the meaning of thy words that he would bring you all to ruin."
And Judas replied: "He tells us always to take no thought for the morrow, but if today anything happened we should all be as poor as beggars. Does a master care thus for his own?"
"Truly," said the traders, "the lookout is bad."
Then Judas related once more the story of Mary Magdalene's waste of precious ointment. "And at the same time this very day he permitted the most senseless waste which a foolish woman was guilty of, thinking to obtain honor; and when I found fault with this I only met with reproachful words and looks."
"And thou canst still care for him after that?" said the traders contemptuously, "and art still willing to remain with him? Thou shouldst take thought for thine own future; it is high time."
"So I have been thinking," said Judas, "but how can I find a good opening?"
Then said Dathan, "Thou hast not long to seek, for the fairest opportunity is awaiting thee."