But here his flock might pasture for a day without injury.
He glanced at the sleeper as he passed and continued to the farther side where the opposite hill sloped down into the depression.

Here he found for himself a comfortable spot and lay down, prepared to watch all day.

From time to time he looked across at the motionless figure in the grass and commented to himself that it was a weary man who slept so soundly, and then lost interest in the maze of dreams that can entangle the wits of a shepherd who is a boy.
The march of the Passover pilgrims continued to Jerusalem.
In mid-afternoon there came interruption.

Along the level highway came the rapid beat of hooves and the musical jingle of harness.

Every soul within sound of that un-Jewish mode of travel turned apprehensively and looked back.