[The Crushed Flower and Other Stories by Leonid Andreyev]@TWC D-Link book
The Crushed Flower and Other Stories

CHAPTER I
3/15

Yes, he was as inquisitive, artful and hateful as a one-eyed demon.

Children he had none, and this was an additional proof that Judas was a wicked man, that God would not have from him any posterity.
None of the disciples had noticed when it was that this ugly, foxy-haired Jew first appeared in the company of Christ: but he had for a long time haunted their path, joined in their conversations, performed little acts of service, bowing and smiling and currying favour.
Sometimes they became quite used to him, so that he escaped their weary eyes; then again he would suddenly obtrude himself on eye and ear, irritating them as something abnormally ugly, treacherous and disgusting.

They would drive him away with harsh words, and for a short time he would disappear, only to reappear suddenly, officious, flattering and crafty as a one-eyed demon.
There was no doubt in the minds of some of the disciples that under his desire to draw near to Jesus was hidden some secret intention--some malign and cunning scheme.
But Jesus did not listen to their advice; their prophetic voice did not reach His ears.

In that spirit of serene contradiction, which ever irresistibly inclined Him to the reprobate and unlovable, He deliberately accepted Judas, and included him in the circle of the chosen.

The disciples were disturbed and murmured under their breath, but He would sit still, with His face towards the setting sun, and listen abstractedly, perhaps to them, perhaps to something else.


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