The Maccabee slowly lifted his eyes from the young shepherd's face, till they rested on the slope of sky filled with stars visible through the open door.
"And she would have me go on to this city, to the one who awaits me there and whom I shall not be glad to see; take up the labor that will be robbed of its chief joy in its success and live the long, long days of life without her ?" The boy made no answer to this; he knew that this white-faced man was wrestling with himself and comment from him was not expected.

By the light of the failing fire without, he saw that face sober, take on shadow and grow immeasurably sad.

The minutes passed and he knew that the Maccabee would not speak again.
Thereafter followed three days of silence, except the essential communication or the mutterings of the Maccabee against his weakness and unsteadiness.

On the fourth day the Maccabee declared that he was able to travel.

Joseph protested, but not for long.