The only answer was scornful laughter.

A hard-featured cobbler rushed out of a neighbouring house, and, almost foaming at the mouth with rage, demanded that the creature should be removed from before his door.

"Customers will be frightened away," he cried.
"Let Him rest here for a moment," said one of the soldiers, pointing to the fallen man, whose breast heaved in short, violent spasms.
Then the cobbler swung a leathern strap and struck the exhausted man.
He pulled Himself together in order to totter a few steps farther.

An old man, full of years and very lonely, stood by.

He had come from the desert where great thoughts dwell.