Межзвёздный скиталец

           Thecryforbloodrangthroughthecourt,andallwereclamouringforcrucifixion.AgainPilatewentbackintothejudgmenthall.Hiseffortatafarcehavingfailed,heattemptedtodisclaimjurisdiction.JesuswasnotofJerusalem.HewasabornsubjectofAntipas,andtoAntipasPilatewasforsendingJesus.

           Buttheuproarwasbynowcommunicatingitselftothecity.Ourtroopsoutsidethepalacewerebeingsweptawayinthevaststreetmob.Riotinghadbegunthatintheflashofaneyecouldturnintocivilwarandrevolution.Myowntwentylegionarieswereclosetohandandinreadiness.TheylovedthefanaticJewsnomorethandidI,andwouldhavewelcomedmycommandtoclearthecourtwithnakedsteel.

           WhenPilatecameoutagainhiswordsforAntipas’jurisdictioncouldnotbeheard,forallthemobwasshoutingthatPilatewasatraitor,thatifheletthefishermangohewasnofriendofTiberius.Closebeforeme,asIleanedagainstthewall,amangy,bearded,long-hairedfanaticsprangupanddownunceasingly,andunceasinglychanted:“Tiberiusisemperor;thereisnoking!Tiberiusisemperor;thereisnoking!”Ilostpatience.Theman’snearnoisewasanoffence.Lurchingsidewise,asifbyaccident,Igroundmyfootonhistoaterriblecrushing.Thefoolseemednottonotice.Hewastoomadtobeawareofthepain,andhecontinuedtochant:“Tiberiusisemperor;thereisnoking!”

           IsawPilatehesitate.