CHAPTER XXXIV.
SCARCE had the fateful cry died out on the awe-charged air, when a scuffle was heard outside, steps rushing hurriedly by, and cries as of a madman broken loose.
A chill blast struck the heart of Caiaphas. What, if, after all, this Man had followers at His back ready and able to avenge Him? What if there were a plot abroad, if the little room with its group of rulers and scribes and priests were invaded by the Romans?
The door was flung open and, unannounced, almost unrecognisable, with eyes that shifted wildly, as though the nerves had lost all power of keeping them in their place, with hair dishevelled and clothes disordered, and with the grin of madness on his features, Judas Iscariot rushed in, holding aloft a bag. At the sight of the figure of the Nazarene he recoiled, as with a sudden memory of horror, but the mind had given way and with difficulty could unfold the one object of his mission.
In and out of the crowd he rushed, holding up his bag and crying out: "Where is the High Priest, where is Caiaphas? I have sinned, I have sinned, I have betrayed the innocent blood. I would find the High Priest and give him back his money." And he held up his bag piteously to each one of the priests.
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