noon
We do not speak of profane matters till after sunrise . He broke off suddenly and pointed to a place where they might dig : and as soon as we have purified ourselves , he continued , we will fare forth in search of shepherds , who , on being instructed by us , will be watchful for a young man lost on the hills and will direct him to the Essene settlement above the Brook Kerith . Be of good courage , he will be found . Hadst thou come before to-day myself would be seeking him for thee , but yesterday I gave over my flock to Jacob , a trustworthy lad , who will give the word to the next one , and he will pass it on to another , and so the news will be carried the best part of the way to Cæsarea before noon . It may be that thy companion has found his way to Cæsarea already , for some can return whither they have come , however long and strange the way may be . Pause , we shall hear Jacob 's pipe answer mine . Jesus played a few notes , which were answered immediately , and not long afterwards the shepherd appeared over a ridge of hills .