Fanned by opposition, fertilised by the red blood of the people, which vivifies everything on which it falls, the heresy would grow stronger, and stifle in its folds Annas, the government, and all his friends.

So, when Iscariot knocked at his door a second time Annas was perturbed in spirit and would not admit him.

But yet a third and a fourth time Iscariot came to him, persistent as the wind, which beats day and night against the closed door and blows in through its crevices.
"I see that the most astute Annas is afraid of something," said Judas when at last he obtained admission to the high priest.
"I am strong enough not to fear anything," Annas answered haughtily.

And Iscariot stretched forth his hands and bowed abjectly.
"What do you want ?" "I wish to betray the Nazarene to you." "We do not want Him." Judas bowed and waited, humbly fixing his gaze on the high priest.
"Go away." "But I am bound to return.

Am I not, revered Annas ?" "You will not be admitted.