Gasping for breath, he sank into his seat, overcome by a spasm of fear. A cold perspiration covered him, and he trembled in every limb.
There was a hurrying to relieve him, and to apply restoratives. But soon he recovered, and again stood up.
"It was nothing, comrades! Of late I have had disquieting visions. Some haunting demon would drive me from my chosen duty; but I hurl defiance at him, and at all the demons and powers of darkness! Behold they but drive me to more jealous and powerful action. I glory in persecution; for slaughter of the enemies of the God of Israel is service to the Chosen People."
As he continued, his face grew dark, his jaws and fists were clinched, and his gestures violent. He seemed to be fighting some unseen enemy which was present and before him.
Such were some of the shouts that rent the air.
At length comparative quiet was restored, and plans were formed for an attack upon the disciples of the New Faith on the morrow. It was known that they assembled in the Upper Chamber every morning at the third hour. It would be easy to gather a rabble to do their bidding if they needed aid. They were just about to separate, when a sudden tremor passed over the frame of Rabbi Abdiel. His features grew rigid, his muscles tense, and he began muttering incoherent words.
"He hath a trance, as he is sometimes wont," exclaimed Saulus. "Peradventure a lying spirit possesseth his lips, for his prophecy is always evil concerning us."
All had gathered about the Rabbi, who now began to speak more clearly, and in a loud voice.
"Members of the _Urim_! Deceivers and deceived! Hypocrites and vipers! Ye are fighting against the God of all the earth and his devoted servants! The cup of your iniquity is overflowing! Your elders and co-workers have slain the Chosen One,--the most righteous of all the sons of men! His kingdom will increase forever, while yours will soon be shattered! Your Dictator will be his chief apostle, and ye will persecute him from city to city!"
The tumult became so great that nothing more could be heard. Some were almost ready to smite him, but it was plainly evident that he knew not what he had been saying. Another tremor; then his frame relaxed. He was again himself, and astonished to see that all were gathered about him.