and took the bread.

Just at that moment a cry of delight broke from the men. The mist had
suddenly lifted; they could see far out into the sunny world. And
beneath them lay the blue, still plains, stretching away until they cut
the sky. Far off in the sky were clouds shining like the golden
pinnacles of temples. Along the shore lay a chain of villages, and
then the sea, studded with sails. The view was so extensive and so
bright that they could not but rejoice.

"From over there beyond the water came the heathens," said Matthew.

"And over there will the Christians go," added Simon.

"Who are the Christians?" asked Bartholomew.

"The adherents of the Anointed."

"They will go forth and destroy the Romans," said James.

"Ssh!" they whispered, and laid their fingers on their lips. "He does
not like such talk."

He did not seem to have heard them. He had risen and was looking out
in silence. Then He turned to one and another to read in their faces
how their spirits stood, whether they had lost heart or whether their
courage was strengthened by the sight of the splendours of God by which
they saw themselves surrounded. Simon had become very thoughtful. He
pondered on the Master's words and on the miracle they had wrought in
him. Of all the wisdom that he had ever heard, none was so lofty and
clear as this divine teaching. It created a heaven which had not
existed formerly. And yet! why was one still so weak? He had turned
sidewards and thoughtfully nodded his head.

"What trouble one has with his own people!" he murmured. James laughed
and said: "With your own people? Who are they? I see only one of your
own people, and that is you yourself."

"That's just the one who troubles me," said Simon. "For, you know, the
rascal is timid. I can't forget that. The suddenness overwhelms him.
'Twas so for weeks down in Capernaum whenever the soldiers came near
us, and in Sidon when that weaver suddenly appeared. Oh, my friend and
brother! If it is a question of always sharing want and disgrace with
Him, I am ready, I have courage for that. But when I've to stand in
absolute danger, my heart fails me. Can such a one be fit to go with
the Master?"

"We are fishermen, not heroes," assented James. "I do not know which
needs more courage, a life of hardship or a swift death."

"I must confess one thing to you, brothers," interposed Andrew. "I am
not clever--but I'm not satisfied. Can anyone tell me