"And thou canst still care for him after that?" said the traders contemptuously, "and art still willing to remain with him? Thou shouldst take thought for thine own future; it is high time." "So I have been thinking," said Judas, "but how can I find a good opening?" Then said Dathan, "Thou hast not long to seek, for the fairest opportunity is awaiting thee." "Where? How?" said Judas eagerly. "Hast thou not heard," said the traders, "of the proclamation of the council? Such a good opportunity of making thy fortune thou wilt never find again thy whole life long." Judas' eyes gleamed. "What proclamation?" he asked. The traders said, "Whosoever gives information as to the nightly resort of Jesus of Nazareth shall receive a large reward." "A large reward!" said Judas. "Now who," said they, "can earn it easier than thou?" Dathan muttered to himself, "We have nearly attained our end." The traders pressed Judas anew, "Brother, don't neglect this good fortune." Judas said hesitatingly, "A fair opportunity. Shall I let it slip?" Then struck in Dathan, "The reward is not all. The council will look after thee in the future. Who knows what might not yet come of it for thee!" "Consent, friend! Strike the bargain," cried all the traders together. Judas hesitated one moment and then clasped Dathan's hand, saying, "Well, be it so." "Come, Judas," said Dathan, "we will bring thee straightway to the council." But Judas said, "No, I must first go after the master, and so obtain information in order to make things sure." Dathan said, "Well, then, we will go to the council and report you in the meantime. But when and where shall we meet?" "In three hours you will find me in the street of the temple," replied Judas. Judas then shook hands all around with the traders. "Done!" exclaimed Judas, as Dathan and the traders left him.