Chapter 24

Every able-bodied employee on Jairus’ vast estate, whatever his specific occupation, was annually drafted for a week to assist in the barley harvest.

By virtue of his recent appointment to the position of overseer of the vineyards, Joel could have claimed exemption from this hard work in the harvest-fields, but had not done so. From dawn to dusk, every day that week, he had cheerfully toiled beside the common labourers, adding much to their diligence and his own popularity. Nor had this evidence of his sincere concern for his master’s welfare escaped the attention of Jairus himself; and when the last load of yellow sheaves had been stored and the harvesters were wearily trudging home with Joel bringing up the rear, he dismounted from his horse to express his appreciation.

‘You are entitled to a few days’ rest, my boy,’ said Jairus. ‘Perhaps you would like to go fishing.’

‘If you would be so kind, sir,’ said Joel, ‘I should like to go to Jerusalem and see the celebration of Pentecost. I have never been there, and, sir’—he hesitated, flushing a little through his tan—’I have a particular reason for wanting to go.’

Jairus’ face had suddenly become so sober that it seemed stern; and Joel, rather crestfallen, feared a rebuke.

‘What is this particular reason, Joel?’ demanded Jairus.

‘I’m afraid I can’t rightly explain, sir,’ murmured Joel, much embarrassed. ‘If you prefer not to let me go, I will think no more about it.’

‘No, no!’ barked Jairus, impatiently. ‘I did not say you couldn’t go! I asked you what is your reason for wanting to go to Jerusalem—on the Day of Pentecost!’

Joel sheepishly dug the toe of his worn sandal into the ground and avoided his rich employer’s eyes. After a long moment, he confessed, ‘I dreamed that I was expected to be there.’

‘My God!’ ejaculated Jairus, in a shaken voice. ‘So you dreamed! Tell me about it!’

Joel was frightened now. Jairus had thought better of him than that he would turn out to be a superstitious dunce. He shook his head and grinned foolishly.

‘It was nothing, sir,’ he mumbled. ‘I can’t remember.’

‘Perhaps I can refresh your memory, Joel,’ said Jairus. ‘You dreamed that a fine-looking young man came to you—by the way, was he riding?’

Joel was staring up into Jairus’ face now, with wide eyes.

‘Yes, sir; on a white horse.’

‘Silver-mounted bridle?’

‘Yes, sir.’ Joel swallowed noisily. ‘And a silver saddle! How did you know, sir? Did you see him?’

‘He rode into my bedroom last night,’ admitted Jairus. ‘He told me to come to Pentecost. It seemed very real. But, this morning when I awoke, I decided to give it no further thought; though, I must say, I have thought of nothing else all day…It’s a strange business, Joel!’

‘Yes, sir! It is that!’ And it was also a strange business, reflected Joel, to be having this man-to-man talk with his eminent employer.

‘Well, Joel’—Jairus turned to mount his horse. ‘We are summoned. Go home now and make ready for the journey. We will try to get off at daybreak.’

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