He had asked but half a day to prepare for the solemn ceremony.

His wife, regretful but firm in the faith, had provided clean garments for her sinful husband, and the appointed executioners dug his grave.

They went for him at midnight.

By the side of the grave they had let him kneel and pray.

His throat had then been cut by a deft hand, and he was held so that his blood ran into the grave, thus consummating the sacrifice to the God of Israel.