An hour before sunset, upon the day following his departure from Damascus, the caravan of Naaman reached the banks of the Jordan. The Jordan was very different from the beautiful Syrian rivers, Abaha and Pharpar. Its waters, muddy and discolored, flowed sluggishly between unshaded banks covered with coarse grass and rank weeds.

Naaman descended from his chariot and advanced to the banks of the river. He stood, for some moments, frowningly regarding the discolored water as it crept to his feet, then he threw aside his purple robe, disclosing upon his broad chest awful, loathsome sores. He stepped into the water.

In a few minutes he stood again upon the bank. His great muscular arms were crossed upon his breast, a gray pallor lay upon his face.

"I have done the bidding of Elisha," he cried, "I have bathed seven times in the Jordan, but my brain doth whirl, my eyes are dim and blurred. Masrekah, faithful servant, 'tis for thee to speak—am I whole or am I still a leper?" and he threw his arms wide apart.

In silent wonder and awe the servants of Naaman gazed upon their master. The loathsome, leprous spots had entirely disappeared, his flesh "was like unto the flesh of a little child."

But Naaman knew not that he was healed. His eyes, dim and dazed, were fixed upon the old servant. One downward glance would have told him all, but Naaman, soldier and mighty man of valor, now knew a coward's fear.

Masrekah came forward, and falling at his master's feet, covered his hands with kisses and tears of joy.

"Master! dearest master!" he cried, "thou art healed! thou art clean! thou art no more a leper."

A great tremor shook Naaman's massive limbs. He grew weak as a little child, his lips quivered and tears filled his eyes. His servants broke into shouts of joy and exultation. They threw themselves on their knees before Naaman, kissing his hands and feet.

"Arise, my good and faithful servants," said Naaman. "Turn we our faces again towards Samaria. I go to seek the prophet, Elisha."

Masrekah laid his hand upon Naaman's arm.

"My lord," he said, "thou hast forgotten to render thanks to Rimmon, god of Syria, for the great good that hath been done unto thee. Masrekah thus presumeth to remind his lord lest the god, being angered, should send some calamity upon Naaman."

Naaman smiled.

"Naaman shall not render thanks to Rimmon, god of Syria," he said. "Nor doth Naaman fear the anger of Syria's god. Nay, be not troubled, my good Masrekah, all will be well with Naaman."

Naaman then arrayed himself in his purple robe and passed on to his chariot. For a moment he stood gazing upon the waters of the Jordan to which the crimson glow from the setting sun lent fleeting beauty. His eyes were filled with a great joy, an immeasurable peace. Then he stepped into his chariot and motioned for the caravan to proceed.

It was the same hour, upon the next day, that the caravan of Naaman again stood before the humble dwelling of Elisha. Naaman, calling one of his servants to him, said:

"Go thou into the house of Elisha and say to him, 'Naaman of Syria, having done thy bidding, bathed seven times in the Jordan, has come forth whole. He most earnestly desireth speech with thee, that he may tell to thee how his heart has changed, also give unto thee the ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold and ten changes of raiment which he brought with him from Damascus.'"

The servant passed into the house of the prophet. In a short time he returned, saying:

"Elisha will come forth, my lord, and speak with thee."

Naaman alighted from the chariot and awaited the coming of the prophet. After a little while a man stepped through the low doorway of the humble dwelling and approached Naaman.

Tall and spare in figure, he wore a dark, coarse, robe, over which flowed a long, gray beard. His face was pale and worn, his eyes gentle and calm.

Naaman sank upon his knees at the feet of the prophet.

"Arise, Naaman of Syria," said Elisha, in a voice of wonderful sweetness.

Naaman pressed the coarse robe of the prophet to his lips ere he rose to his feet. Then, calling to his servants, he said:

"Bring hither the treasure which Naaman brought with him from Damascus to reward Elisha."

"Nay, Naaman of Syria must take back with him to Damascus the treasure he did bring," said Elisha. "Elisha desireth not riches nor the praise of men. 'Twas not for these things that he didst heal Naaman of his leprosy."

Naaman, seeing that it would be quite useless to endeavor to force reward upon the prophet, signed to his servants to leave undisturbed the treasure. Then, again kneeling at Elisha's feet, he cried, aloud:

"Elisha, through thee it has been revealed to me that there is no god in all the earth but only in Israel. Henceforth, Naaman will offer sacrifice only to the true God of Israel."

"Peace be with thee, Naaman of Syria," said the prophet, with his sweet, gentle smile. "'Tis indeed well with thee. A greater good has come to thee than the healing of thy body from the foulness of leprosy. Go thou in peace."