you know that I'm almost starved to death? I must go down to the
caravan route."

"Well, go. I'll to the oasis of Sheba," said Dismas.

"Dismas, I hate you," growled the other.

Dismas said nothing, and steadfastly looked at the sky, which had not
for a long while been so softly sunless as to-day.

"Since the day when you refused to help me hold up the caravan of
Orientals with my men, I have hated you. They had much frankincense
and precious spices and gold. With one blow we should have provided
ourselves with enough for many a long year. And you----"

"Wanderers who were seeking the Messiah! I do not attack such as
they," said Dismas.

"You, too, are seeking him, you pious highwayman."

"Of course, I seek him."

"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed he of the snub-nose, pressing his pointed chin
into his hand. "The Messiah! the fairy-tale of dreaming old men. All
weak men dream and believe. Don't you see that when you have to strive
and struggle for your little bit of life there isn't time to wait for
the Messiah!"

"That's just what I've believed for many a year and day," answered
Dismas sadly. "I left my home to follow you; I've plundered men of