The Little Maid of Israel

  CHAPTER VI.

  Upon leaving the caravan of Naaman, the servant of the king returned tothe palace and sought his master.

  "What tidings dost thou bring?" asked Jehoram. "Hath Elisha healedNaaman of his leprosy?"

  "No, my lord," replied the servant, "and I bring to thee a message fromNaaman who is greatly incensed," and he repeated to the king Naaman'smessage.

  Jehoram's face grew pale.

  The servant then proceeded to relate how Elisha had received Naaman andwhat he had bid him do.

  "What meaneth Elisha?" cried Jehoram, in fear and anger. "Does he notknow that he will bring destruction upon Israel?"

  "I did say unto Naaman of Syria that the ways of Elisha, the prophet,were not like unto the ways of other men," said the servant. "ButNaaman would not give heed to my words, he angrily bade me be gone."

  "Go, mount the fleetest horse in my possession and make haste to thehouse of Elisha," commanded the king. "Say to him that if Naaman ofSyria returneth in anger to Damascus, Benhadad, king of all Syria, willat once declare war upon Israel. Say to Elisha that Jehoram his king,doth command him to heal Naaman of his leprosy lest destruction comeupon Israel."

  "But, my lord, pardon thy servant for reminding thee that Naaman ofSyria refused to do the bidding of Elisha," said the servant. "Hebelieveth that Elisha does but mock him."

  "Ah, this worshipper of a false god understandeth not the ways of aprophet of the true God of Israel," cried the king, scornfully. "Butbe that as it may Naaman must not return unhealed and in anger toDamascus. So go thou with all speed and deliver my message to Elisha.The caravan of Naaman cannot have proceeded far; thou canst stillovertake it after thou hast seen Elisha. Lose not a moment; go!"

  After the departure of his servant Jehoram shut himself up alone inhis chamber. He sought not the counsel of the wise men of his kingdom;he knew that no one could extricate him from threatened disaster saveElisha.

  Impatiently the king tossed aside the jeweled crown which rested soheavily upon his aching brows.

  "Ah, can all the glory of a king compensate for the cares that lieso heavily upon him? Jehoram, king of all Israel, often envyeth thehumblest of his subjects."

  Time passed and the king, restless with suspense, consumed withanxiety, awaited the coming of his servant. At length, the servantreturned.

  "Speak; what tidings dost thou bring?" cried the king.

  "My lord," replied the servant, "I did hasten, as thou commanded, tothe house of Elisha. His servant admitted me to the presence of theprophet and I delivered to him thy message. Elisha heard me in silence,then he spoke. 'Jehoram, king of Israel, hath but little faith,' hesaid. 'Go to thy master and say unto him that Naaman will return toDamascus healed of his leprosy.'"

  A long sigh of relief broke from the lips of the king.

  "Elisha be a prophet and a holy man of God," he said, "therefore, willI believe his words and have faith in him."