cannot fail to see it, for it is plain to mine.  Joseph said he thought he could discern the balcony.  But how do we reach it?  We aren’t angels, he said.  We shall ascend, Jesus answered, by a path going back and forth, through many terraces.  Lead on, Joseph answered.  But stay, let us admire the bridge they have built and the pepper-trees that border it.  I am glad the Romans spared the trees, for men that live in this solitude deserve the beauty of these pepper-trees.  Jesus said:  yonder is the path leading to the source of the brook; fledged at this season with green reeds and rushes.  They have built a mill I see! turned by the brook and fed, no doubt, by the wheat thy camels bring from Moab.  But the Essenes seem late at work this morning.

As he spoke these words an old man appeared on the balcony, and Joseph said:  that must be Hazael, but his beard has gone very white.  It is Hazael, our president, Jesus answered.  Let us go to him at once, and still driving the asses in front of them and carrying the puppies in their arms they worked their way up through the many terraces; not one is more than three feet wide, yet in every one are fig-trees, Jesus remarked, and there seem to be vines everywhere, for though the Essenes drink no wine, they sell their grapes to be eaten or to be turned into wine, Joseph.  Our rule is not to kill, but we sell our sheep, and alas! some go to the Temple and are offered in sacrifice.  I used to weep for my sheep, he muttered, but in this world——­

The steep ascent checked further speech, and they walked to the east and then to the west, back and forth, fifty little journeys taking them up to the cenoby.  The great door was opened to them at once, and Hazael came forward to meet them, giving his left hand to Joseph and his right to Jesus, whom he drew to his bosom.  So, my dear Jesus, thou hast come back to us, Hazael said, and he looked into Jesus’ face inquiringly, learning from it that it would not be well to ask Jesus for the story of what had befallen him during the last three years; and Joseph gave thanks that Hazael was possessed of a mind that saw into recesses and appreciated fine shades.

We are glad to have thee back again, Jesus; and thou hast come to stay, and perhaps to take charge of our flock again, which needs thy guidance.  How so?  Jesus asked.  Hasn’t the flock prospered under Brother Amos?  Ah! that is a long story, Hazael answered.  We’ll tell it thee when the time comes.  But thou hast brought dogs with thee, and of the breed that our shepherds are always seeking.

It was thus that Jesus and Hazael began to talk to each other, leaving Joseph to admire the vaulting of the long dwelling, and to wander out through the embrasure on to the balcony, from whence he could see the Essenes going to their work along the terraces.  Among the ruins of the hermitage on the opposite side above the bridge, a brother fondled a pet lamb while he read.  He is one, Joseph said to himself, that