The stones which served them as pillows raised their heads so they could look out of the open arch into the depths of the sky; and as they watched the twinkling of the stars, they thought of the next manifestation.

How would it come?
What would it be?
They were in Jerusalem at last; they had asked at the gate for Him they sought; they had borne witness of his birth; it remained only to find him; and as to that, they placed all trust in the Spirit.
Men listening for the voice of God, or waiting a sign from Heaven, cannot sleep.
While they were in this condition, a man stepped in under the arch, darkening the lewen.
"Awake!" he said to them; "I bring you a message which will not be put off." They all sat up.
"From whom ?" asked the Egyptian.
"Herod the king." Each one felt his spirit thrill.
"Are you not the steward of the khan ?" Balthasar asked next.
"I am." "What would the king with us ?" "His messenger is without; let him answer." "Tell him, then, to abide our coming." "You were right, O my brother!" said the Greek, when the steward was gone.

"The question put to the people on the road, and to the guard at the gate, has given us quick notoriety.

I am impatient; let us up quickly." They arose, put on their sandals, girt their mantles about them, and went out.
"I salute you, and give you peace, and pray your pardon; but my master, the king, has sent me to invite you to the palace, where he would have speech with you privately." Thus the messenger discharged his duty.
A lamp hung in the entrance, and by its light they looked at each other, and knew the Spirit was upon them.

Then the Egyptian stepped to the steward, and said, so as not to be heard by the others, "You know where our goods are stored in the court, and where our camels are resting.