head, I will
stand aside, and release from their oath those who have already
sworn. I am not self seeking. I crave not the leadership over you,
and will obey whomsoever you may choose for your chief. But to
whomsoever is the leader, prompt obedience must be given; for there
must, even in a band like this, be order and discipline. We work
for a common good, but we must yield to the direction of one will,
and one head.

"Now, what say you? I will walk away, to leave you free to consult
one with another; and will abide by your decision, whatever it be.
Only the decision, once made, must be adhered to. There must be no
after grumbling, no hesitation or drawing back. You must have
absolute confidence, and give absolute obedience, to him whom you
choose. For only so can we hope to succeed in our enterprises."

John had gone but a short way among the trees, when he was called
back again. All had come prepared to follow him. His father had
always been a man of weight and position among the villagers on the
shore and, democratic as were the Jewish institutions, there was
yet a certain respect paid to those of position above their
fellows. John's experience and, especially, his escape from
Jotapata, seemed specially to mark him as one destined to play an
important part. And his quiet resolute bearing, now--the feeling
that he knew what was to be done, and how to do it; that he was, in
fact, their natural leader--came home to all, and it was with
sincerity that they assured him that they accepted him as their
leader.

"Very well," John said, quietly. "Then let those who have not
already taken the oath stand up, and do so."

This was done, and John then said:

"Now, I will tell you more of my plans; although these, of course,
cannot be in any way settled until we see how things turn out. It
is by watching for opportunities and seizing the right moment,
only, that we can hope for success. We are all ready to give our
lives for our country, but we do not wish to throw them away. We
want each of us to do as much as possible. We want to live, so as
to share in the defense of the Temple; therefore, we have to
combine prudence with daring.

"As for an attack upon any strong body of Roman troops, it would be
impossible--unless they attempt to follow us among the mountains.
One of our first duties will be to learn the country well, so that
we may know where to defend ourselves, should they come up after
us; where, from eminences,