As they lay down to sleep, Ruth glanced over and saw the light in her companion’s eyes. She knew something of the exhilaration he was experiencing—she too had felt a rush the first time she was able to effect a cure. But Jesus’s elation was no doubt far more potent given that he had taken action in the outside world—in full view—an experience that circumstances had never allowed her.

Despite the success, however, she thought it unwise—and dangerous—for them to draw such attention to themselves. Given their vulnerability, maintaining anonymity seemed the only way to ensure their safety. Thinking these things, she said, “I am glad we were able to help the boy. But I think we should avoid exposing ourselves until we better understand our circumstances.”

Jesus frowned. “Do you think they saw through my disguise?”

Ruth sighed. “No, I do not,” she admitted. She gazed down his lean, masculine frame. “But still, it would be foolish of us to risk—”

“Ruth,” Jesus interrupted. “If they believe I am a man, we will be safe,” he said, his confidence fortified by the evening’s events.

Frustrated by his assuredness, Ruth held her tongue and kept the rest of her thoughts to herself. It was then that she noticed a trickle of fresh blood running down his leg. She quickly pulled a rag from within her robes and held it out to him. “You must wrap yourself more carefully from now on,” she cautioned.

Jesus looked down and saw the blood of his renewal. His poise and confidence wavered as a grave worry struck his heart.

Had anyone seen?

The rooster had not yet crowed when the yelling began. Ruth and Jesus woke with a start. The voices were coming from the farmer’s dwelling. “Where are they? Do not let them leave the village!” they cried out.

Ruth shook Tabitha from her slumber. “We must leave,” she said. “They have discovered Anna’s charade. Come quickly!”

Jesus pushed through the door while his sisters covered their faces. They were met instantly by a large crowd of villagers. The farmer who owned the shed stepped to the front. His wife cowered behind him. “Are these the people?” he asked in a gruff voice.

Nathaniel’s father, Abel, nodded and said, “Yes, these are the ones who came into my house last night.”

The farmer cast a sharp eye on the strangers. The other villagers pressed behind him.

Tabitha grabbed Ruth’s robe, terrified.

Even in her fear, Ruth noticed the lack of flesh on the man’s bones and the patches clinging to his clothes. He had clearly been chosen as the one to approach them, though for what purpose she could not yet tell. She feared the worst.

Jesus took a step forward. “We come in peace,” he said, having difficulty steadying his voice. “We mean you no harm.”