ed and the rocking skiff glided over the
broad expanse of waters which, on the south side, appeared endless.
From the way in which the two men spoke to the Master, Simon thought to
himself: "A rabbi, and they are his pupils." To the Master's questions
regarding his life and trade, the fisherman gave respectful answers,
taking care to remark that he had not to complain of overmuch good
fortune, for often he fished all day and all night without catching
anything, a success he could equally well obtain if he lay all day idle
in his boat and let himself be rocked.

The Master asked him with a smile what he would say to fishing for men.

"I don't know what you mean."

"You've already three in your net," said James gaily.

"And God help me!" exclaimed the fisherman, "for we must pray to Him
for help to-day. Look over there at the mountains of Hium. Just now
it looks so beautifully blue that you would take it for a sunny sky.
But the white edges! In an hour there'll be more of them."

"Hoist the sail, fisherman, and bale out," advised James. "I
understand something of the business."

"Then you wouldn't say hoist the sail to-day," returned Simon.

"Listen," said James; "you know the river which brings the black sand
and the little red fishes with the sharp heads down to this lake from
the mountains of Golan. My cottage was by that river--you surely know
it?"

"Isn't it there still?" asked Simon.

"It is there, but it is no longer mine," said James. "I have left it
in order to follow the Master. Do you know Him, Simon?"

He had whispered the last words behind the back of the Master, who sat
silent on the bench, and looked out over the calm waters. He seemed to
be enjoying the rest; the breeze played softly with His hair, As a
protection from the sun's rays John had fashioned a piece of cloth into
a sort of turban and wound it round his head. He looked with amusement
at the reflection of the head-dress in the water.

"For whom do you take Him?" asked James, pointing to Jesus.

And the fisherman answered, "For whom do you take that?" He pointed to
the distance; he saw the storm. The mountains were enveloped in a grey
mist which, pierced by the lightning, moved slowly downwards. Before
them surged the foaming waters, the waves white-crested. A gust of
wind struck the boat; the water began to beat heavily against it, so
that it was tossed about like a piece of cork. Since Simon had not put
up the sail th