The Little Maid of Israel Read online

  CHAPTER VII.

  An hour before sunset, upon the day following his departure fromDamascus, the caravan of Naaman reached the banks of the Jordan. TheJordan was very different from the beautiful Syrian rivers, Abaha andPharpar. Its waters, muddy and discolored, flowed sluggishly betweenunshaded banks covered with coarse grass and rank weeds.

  Naaman descended from his chariot and advanced to the banks of theriver. He stood, for some moments, frowningly regarding the discoloredwater as it crept to his feet, then he threw aside his purple robe,disclosing upon his broad chest awful, loathsome sores. He stepped intothe water.

  In a few minutes he stood again upon the bank. His great muscular armswere crossed upon his breast, a gray pallor lay upon his face.

  "I have done the bidding of Elisha," he cried, "I have bathed seventimes in the Jordan, but my brain doth whirl, my eyes are dim andblurred. Masrekah, faithful servant, 'tis for thee to speak--am I wholeor am I still a leper?" and he threw his arms wide apart.

  In silent wonder and awe the servants of Naaman gazed upon theirmaster. The loathsome, leprous spots had entirely disappeared, hisflesh "was like unto the flesh of a little child."

  But Naaman knew not that he was healed. His eyes, dim and dazed, werefixed upon the old servant. One downward glance would have told himall, but Naaman, soldier and mighty man of valor, now knew a coward'sfear.

  Masrekah came forward, and falling at his master's feet, covered hishands with kisses and tears of joy.

  "Master! dearest master!" he cried, "thou art healed! thou art clean!thou art no more a leper."

  A great tremor shook Naaman's massive limbs. He grew weak as a littlechild, his lips quivered and tears filled his eyes. His servants brokeinto shouts of joy and exultation. They threw themselves on their kneesbefore Naaman, kissing his hands and feet.

  "Arise, my good and faithful servants," said Naaman. "Turn we our facesagain towards Samaria. I go to seek the prophet, Elisha."

  Masrekah laid his hand upon Naaman's arm.

  "My lord," he said, "thou hast forgotten to render thanks to Rimmon,god of Syria, for the great good that hath been done unto thee.Masrekah thus presumeth to remind his lord lest the god, beingangered, should send some calamity upon Naaman."

  Naaman smiled.

  "Naaman shall not render thanks to Rimmon, god of Syria," he said. "Nordoth Naaman fear the anger of Syria's god. Nay, be not troubled, mygood Masrekah, all will be well with Naaman."

  Naaman then arrayed himself in his purple robe and passed on to hischariot. For a moment he stood gazing upon the waters of the Jordanto which the crimson glow from the setting sun lent fleeting beauty.His eyes were filled with a great joy, an immeasurable peace. Then hestepped into his chariot and motioned for the caravan to proceed.

  It was the same hour, upon the next day, that the caravan of Naamanagain stood before the humble dwelling of Elisha. Naaman, calling oneof his servants to him, said:

  "Go thou into the house of Elisha and say to him, 'Naaman of Syria,having done thy bidding, bathed seven times in the Jordan, has comeforth whole. He most earnestly desireth speech with thee, that he maytell to thee how his heart has changed, also give unto thee the tentalents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold and ten changes ofraiment which he brought with him from Damascus.'"

  The servant passed into the house of the prophet. In a short time hereturned, saying:

  "Elisha will come forth, my lord, and speak with thee."

  Naaman alighted from the chariot and awaited the coming of the prophet.After a little while a man stepped through the low doorway of thehumble dwelling and approached Naaman.

  Tall and spare in figure, he wore a dark, coarse, robe, over whichflowed a long, gray beard. His face was pale and worn, his eyes gentleand calm.

  Naaman sank upon his knees at the feet of the prophet.

  "Arise, Naaman of Syria," said Elisha, in a voice of wonderfulsweetness.

  Naaman pressed the coarse robe of the prophet to his lips ere he roseto his feet. Then, calling to his servants, he said:

  "Bring hither the treasure which Naaman brought with him from Damascusto reward Elisha."

  "Nay, Naaman of Syria must take back with him to Damascus the treasurehe did bring," said Elisha. "Elisha desireth not riches nor the praiseof men. 'Twas not for these things that he didst heal Naaman of hisleprosy."

  Naaman, seeing that it would be quite useless to endeavor to forcereward upon the prophet, signed to his servants to leave undisturbedthe treasure. Then, again kneeling at Elisha's feet, he cried, aloud:

  "Elisha, through thee it has been revealed to me that there is no godin all the earth but only in Israel. Henceforth, Naaman will offersacrifice only to the true God of Israel."

  "Peace be with thee, Naaman of Syria," said the prophet, with hissweet, gentle smile. "'Tis indeed well with thee. A greater good hascome to thee than the healing of thy body from the foulness of leprosy.Go thou in peace."