few low-class people!"

The Zealot interrupted. "You seem to forget that I have a large number
of friends in Jerusalem," he said hotly. "The city is full of Zealots!
They all know me."

"Yes, and the police keep track of every one of them," retorted Judas.
"Just as soon as the Romans see us with Zealots they will think that we
are trying to start trouble. The best thing for us to do is to keep away
from your friends!"

"I suppose you think we will win the confidence of the Jews by mixing
with Pharisees!" snapped the Zealot.

"We will have to be careful, of course," said Judas. "But I know the
right people. If we are clever, we will work from the inside."

"Well, I think the Master knows what he is doing," cut in Andrew.

Judas glanced ahead to where Jesus was walking alone and lowered his
voice. "You know I am loyal to him, but he has been in Jerusalem only a
few times in his life. He doesn't know any of the important people."

"I can put him in touch with hundreds of men who will fight beside us,"
said the Zealot, frowning at Judas. As Andrew listened to the two men
argue, he had to admit to himself that Jesus might need help when they
came to Jerusalem. He did not say any more.

The twelve men and their Master came to a ford where a sluggish stream
flowed across the road toward the Jordan. Single file, the disciples
waded through the shallowest place. Andrew was the last to cross, and he
found himself with Peter, James, and John. The four fishermen let the
others walk ahead. Keeping his voice low, James said to the others:
"What is going to happen to the rest of us when we get to Jerusalem?
Those two men have been there and they know everyone! We might even be
pushed out completely!" The more they discussed it, the more worried
they became.

James and John wanted to be alone to talk about the schemes of Judas
and the Zealot, so when the Twelve stopped for lunch, they went to a
near-by farm to buy food. After lunch they again fell in step with
Andrew and Peter.

"You were absolutely right in what you said this morning," said Andrew
emphatically. "Simon Peter and I have decided that we must settle right
now before we get to Jerusalem who should have first place among us."

"We should talk to the Master about it," said James.

"No," answered John. "This is our affair. We must settle it among
ourselves. Simon Peter was the first one Jesus asked to give up his
fishing and follow him; he should be the leader.