One of the youths came forward, stepped upon it, and lay down on his back with his head toward the Kohen.

The mournful chant still went on.

Then the Kohen raised his knife and plunged it into the heart of the youth.

I sat for a moment rooted to the spot; then a groan burst from me in spite of myself.

Almah caught my hands in hers, which were as cold as ice.
"Be firm," she said, "or we are both lost.