III
HOW THE BOY WAS LOST
Now comes the secret of the way he was lost--a way so simple that
the wonder is that no one has ever dreamed of it before.
The three important days of the Passover were ended, and the time
had come when those pilgrims who wished to return to their homes
might leave Jerusalem without offense, though it was more commendable
to remain through the full seven days. The people from Nazareth
were anxious to be gone--they had a long road to travel--their
harvests were waiting. While the Boy, tired out, was sleeping under
the tree, the question of going home was talked out and decided.
They would break camp at sunrise, and, joining with others of their
countrymen who were tented around them, they would take the road
for Galilee.
But the Boy awoke earlier than any one else the next morning. Before
the dawn a linnet in the tree overhead called him with twittering
songs. He was rested by his long sleep. His breath came lightly.
The spirit of youth was beating in his limbs, His heart was eager
for adventure.
Pages:
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239