the meaning of thy words that
he would bring you all to ruin."

And Judas replied: "He tells us always to take no thought for the
morrow, but if today anything happened we should all be as poor as
beggars. Does a master care thus for his own?"

"Truly," said the traders, "the lookout is bad."

Then Judas related once more the story of Mary Magdalene's waste of
precious ointment. "And at the same time this very day he permitted
the most senseless waste which a foolish woman was guilty of, thinking
to obtain honor; and when I found fault with this I only met with
reproachful words and looks."

"And thou canst still care for him after that?" said the traders
contemptuously, "and art still willing to remain with him? Thou
shouldst take thought for thine own future; it is high time."

"So I have been thinking," said Judas, "but how can I find a good
opening?"

Then said Dathan, "Thou hast not long to seek, for the fairest
opportunity is awaiting thee."

"Where? How?" said Judas eagerly.

"Hast thou not heard," said the traders, "of the proclamation of the
council? Such a good opportunity of making thy fortune thou wilt never
find again thy whole life long."

Judas' eyes gleamed. "What proclamation?" he asked.

The traders said, "Whosoever gives information as to the nightly resort
of Jesus of Nazareth shall receive a large reward."

"A large reward!" said Judas.

"Now who," said they, "can earn it easier than thou?"

Dathan muttered to himself, "We have nearly attained our end."

The traders pressed Judas anew, "Brother, don't neglect this good
fortune."

Judas said hesitatingly, "A fair opportunity. Shall I let it slip?"

Then struck in Dathan, "The reward is not all. The council will look
after thee in the future. Who knows what might not yet come of it for
thee!"

"Consent, friend! Strike the bargain," cried all the traders together.

Judas hesitated one moment and then clasped Dathan's hand, saying,
"Well, be it so."

"Come, Judas," said Dathan, "we will bring thee straightway to the
council." But Judas said, "No, I must first go after the master, and
so obtain information in order to make things sure."

Dathan said, "Well, then, we will go to the council and report you in
the meantime. But when and where shall we meet?"

"In three hours you will find me in the street of the temple," replied
Judas.

Judas then shook hands all around with the traders. "Done!" exclaimed
Judas, as