e see. Sometimes he had
the look of one who listens, but never did he hear. Thus in silence and
languor he passed from day to day, and from night to night, scarcely
sleeping, rarely eating, and seeming always to be waiting, waiting,
waiting.

Fresh prisoners came at short intervals, and then only was Israel's
interest awakened. One question he asked of all. "Where from?" If they
answered from Fez, from Wazzan, from Mequinez, or from Marrakesh, Israel
turned aside and left them without more words. Then to his fellows they
might pour out their woes in loud wails and curses, but Israel would
hear no more.

Strangers from Europe travelling through the country were allowed to
look into the prison through the round peephole of the door kept by the
Kaid el habs, who played the ginbri. The Jews who made baskets took this
opportunity to offer their work for sale; and so that he might see the
visitors and speak with them Israel would snatch up something and hang
it out. Always his question was the same. "Where from last?" he would
say in English, or Spanish, or French, or Moorish. Sometimes it chanced
that the strangers knew him. But he showed no shame. Never did their
answers satisfy him. He would turn back to his pillar with a sigh.

Thus weeks went on, and Israel's face grew worn and tired. His fellow
prisoners began to show him deference in their own rude way. When he
came among them at the first they had grinned and laughed a little.
To do that was always the impulse of the poor souls, so miserably
imprisoned, when a new comrade joined him. But the majesty and the
suffering in Israel's face told on their hearts at last. He was a great
man fallen, he had nothing left to him; not even bread to eat or water
to drink. So they gathered about him and hit on a way to make him share
their food. Bringing their sacks to his pillar, they stacked them about
it, and asked him to serve out provisions to all, day by day, share and
share alike. He was honest, he was a master, no one would steal from
him, it was best, the stuff would last longest. It was a touching sight.

Still the old eagerness betrayed itself in Israel's weary manner as
often as the door opened and fresh prisoners arrived. Once it happened
that before he uttered his usual question he saw that the newcomers
were from Tetuan, and then his restlessness was feverish. "When--were
you--have you been of late--" he stammered, and seemed unable to go
farther.

But the Tetawa