But still the Rabbi entreated:—­

“I will neither trouble nor question thee,” he said; “only let me accompany thee on thy way.”

“Come, then,” said Elijah; “but let thy tongue be mute.  With thy first question, thy first expression of astonishment, we must part company.”

So the two journeyed through the world together.  They approached the house of a poor man, whose only treasure and means of support was a cow.  As they came near, the man and his wife hastened to meet them, begged them to enter their cot, and eat and drink of the best they could afford, and to pass the night under their roof.  This they did, receiving every attention from their poor but hospitable host and hostess.  In the morning Elijah rose up early and prayed to God, and when he had finished his prayer, behold the cow belonging to the poor people dropped dead.  Then the travelers continued on their journey.

Much was Rabbi Jochanan perplexed.  “Not only did we neglect to pay them for their hospitality and generous services, but his cow we have killed;” and he said to Elijah, “Why didst thou kill the cow of this good man, who—­”

“Peace,” interrupted Elijah; “hear, see, and be silent.  If I answer thy questions we must part.”

And they continued on their way together.

Toward evening they arrived at a large and imposing mansion, the residence of a haughty and wealthy man.  They were coldly received; a piece of bread and a glass of water were placed before them, but the master of the house did not welcome or speak to them, and they remained there during the night unnoticed.  In the morning Elijah remarked that a wall of the house required repairing, and sending for a carpenter, he himself paid the money for the repair, as a return, he said, for the hospitality they had received.

Again was Rabbi Jochanan filled with wonder, but he said naught, and they proceeded on their journey.

As the shades of night were falling they entered a city which contained a large and imposing synagogue.  As it was the time of the evening service they entered and were much pleased with the rich adornments, the velvet cushions, and gilded carvings of the interior.  After the completion of the service, Elijah arose and called out aloud, “Who is here willing to feed and lodge two poor men this night?” none answered, and no respect was shown to the traveling strangers.  In the morning, however, Elijah re-entered the synagogue, and shaking its members by the hands, he said, “I hope that you may all become presidents.”

Next evening the two entered another city, when the Shamas (sexton) of the synagogue, came to meet them, and notifying the members of his congregation of the coming of two strangers, the best hotel of the place was opened to them, and all vied in showing them attention and honor.

In the morning, on parting with them, Elijah said, “May the Lord appoint over you but one president.”