CHAPTER XVII.
Jesus before Pilate.
It was about eight in the morning, according to our method of counting time, when the procession reached the palace of Pilate.

Annas, Caiphas, and the chiefs of the Sanhedrin stopped at a part between the forum and the entrance to the Praetorium, where some stone seats were placed for them.

The brutal guards dragged Jesus to the foot of the flight of stairs which led to the judgment-seat of Pilate.

Pilate was reposing in a comfortable chair, on a terrace which overlooked the forum, and a small three-legged table stood by his side, on which was placed the insignia of his office, and a few other things.

He was surrounded by officers and soldiers dressed with the magnificence usual in the Roman army.