And this ass is descended from that one." "If that's so," said James brightly, "it's a marvellous coincidence!" And he whispered softly in the old man's ear: "The man who will enter Jerusalem to-day on that ass is the Messiah who was born in the stable." "Is it Jesus of Nazareth ?" asked the old man.

"I will hire the animal to Him for half a silver piece.

In return I shall implore Him to heal my wife, who has been rheumatic for years." So they made their compact, and James led the ass up the mountain where they were all sitting together, unable to gaze long enough at Jerusalem.

Only Jesus was wrapt in thought and looked gloomily at the shining town.
"Oh, Jerusalem!" He said softly to Himself.

"If only thou wouldst heed this hour.