Chapter 13

‘Johnny is not much of a fisherman, sir,’ put in Simon, ‘even in the best of weather. We take him along for ballast.’

This was amusing, for Johnny was of slight build and didn’t weigh very much. When the others laughed he smiled obligingly and rubbed a beardless chin.

Simon, they all felt, was doing very well: Simon had a way with him. Even the presence of the learned Sadducee had not disconcerted him.

‘I think you have met my brother,’ said Simon, as Andrew came in from an adjoining room carrying a comfortable chair obviously intended for the honoured guest. David politely nodded toward Andrew and they all sat down. After a little silence, David turned to Simon and said, ‘I came to see the Carpenter, Jesus. I have some work for him.’

‘The Master is resting, sir,’ said Simon.

David stiffened slightly and arched his eyebrows, as to wonder how a carpenter could afford to be resting during working hours, but Simon offered no explanation. Philip, who sat by a front window observing the cart, inquired, ‘Is there anything we can do, sir?’

‘Not unless you’re a skilled carpenter,’ replied David coolly; but he went to the door and told his servants to bring in the cabinet.

They all gathered in a circle around it, admiring its craftsmanship and deploring its injuries. Unobserved, Jesus joined the preoccupied group, standing beside and a little to the rear of David. Their sleeves lightly touched. Of ponderous dignity and deliberate movement, David was not one to act impulsively; but at this accidental contact, he suddenly retreated, turned about, and found himself staring into the steady eyes of a young man who didn’t seem to belong in this company at all.

Simon, observing, said, ‘Master, our guest is David, of the House of Zadok.’

The Sadducee bowed deferentially, silently, and Jesus said, ‘You are welcome, friend. What may I do for you?’

David pointed toward the cabinet, but Jesus’ eyes did not follow the gesture, as had been expected. His calm look of inquiry seemed friendly enough, but it was apparent that he had no concern for the cabinet.

‘I shall make no attempt to deceive you, sir,’ said David. ‘The cabinet does need mending; but, in truth, that was not the object of my call. I have heard many things of your words and deeds, and I desired to see you.’

‘You have spoken truthfully, David,’ said Jesus. ‘If that is your custom you should be able to understand my sayings. Men who love the truth are my friends…Will you sit down?’