The Scar of Cain

By Bill W. Sanford

The year is 2028. Man's most ancient and feared enemy still walks the earth. For centuries, he has been consolidating his power and marshaling his dark forces for one last play.

Walker Cain is the Man of Shadows and has only one agenda: to establish a one-world order through which he can control our destiny and remove our freedoms of personal choice. For him, no other plan can be worth his time and resources. He is the beast and intends for all to carry his mark.

Benjamin Jasher has been a historian for as long as humanity has lived to record the advancement of civilizations. As a young man following The Great Flood, the ancient patriarch Noah presented him with a special duty and a challenge: to record the march of history. To ensure his life's work continued, he was permitted to live as long as necessary. But he needed to make special note of the acts and machinations of the most insidious man who ever lived, Cain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891305762

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The Scar of Cain

Bill W. Sanford

ISBN 979-8-89130-575-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89130-576-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Bill W. Sanford

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

For old friends,

And Debra, always there.

Introduction

Prologue

Limitless and Eternal

Part 1

The Bronze Plates, 2028

Chapter 1

William Bedford

Chapter 2

Benjamin Jasher

Chapter 3

The Key

Chapter 4

Levinson, the Consultant

Chapter 5

The Report

Chapter 6

A Charge and a Blessing

Chapter 7

The Translation, 2028

Part 2

The Posterity of Adam

Chapter 1

The First Family

Chapter 2

The Abyss

Chapter 3

The Talk

Chapter 4

The Whip

Chapter 5

The Sabbath Day Sacrifice

Chapter 6

A Family Divided

Chapter 7

Master Mahan

Chapter 8

And Cain Rose Up

Chapter 9

A Hiss and By-Word

Part 3

The Brotherhood

Chapter 1

King Lamech Takes a Head

Chapter 2

Adah and Zillah

Chapter 3

Seth, Son of Adam

Chapter 4

The Assignment to Enoch

Chapter 5

Standoff at High Noon

Chapter 6

The Interrogation

Part 4

The Great Flood

Chapter 1

The First Warning

Chapter 2

The Butcher of Nod

Chapter 3

Noah and the Prophet Lamech

Chapter 4

Mother Earth

Chapter 5

Sariah's Calling

Chapter 6

The Valley Settlers

Chapter 7

The Last Testament

Chapter 8

Elisheba's Choice

Chapter 9

The Conquest of Cana

Chapter 10

A Warning to Cain

Chapter 11

Friendly Counsel

Chapter 12

The Westward Escape

Chapter 13

A Time to Prepare

Chapter 14

The Vessel

Chapter 15

The Great Flood

Epilogue

Austin, 2028

About the Author

For old friends,

And Debra, always there.

Introduction

This book is a work of fiction. Most agree that there is far too much of our ancient history steeped in religion and myth to make it possible for any serious, objective examination of the life and struggles of our antediluvian ancestors. Thus, historical evidence from several sources remains lacking. However, if historical documents cannot reveal their lives and actions, we must use different theological canons and inspired studies of noted theologians to answer our questions.

Within the admittedly limited boundaries of written history for that period, I attempted to relate the lives and choices of our ancient ancestors. I have noted where history, religion, and myth meshed to provide a fresh perspective of historical persons and events shaping the decline of our most ancient culture.

In book 1 of The Books of Jasher, The Scar of Cain, I have introduced the reader to a view of a devious society with its roots embedded in our antediluvian history. This insidious fraternity's author was Cain, son of Adam and Eve. Cain's goal was to impose a soulless society into the fabric of the world's earliest civilization by marginalizing the agency of personal choice for all humanity. I am no historian, but my experiences have taught me that our agency of choice is essential to personal progress, and our potential for greatness is limitless and eternal.

Prologue

Limitless and Eternal

In the late afternoon, Noah and his great-great-grandson, Jasher, rode slowly along a valley floor nine months from their starting point. It was a lovely place, full of spring flowers. Now, over three hundred years since the Great Flood, plant and animal life had begun to reappear in multitudes. In all its myriad forms, nature had again started to prosper prolifically.

The two men arrived from the north through a pass that overlooked the verdant valley. On both sides, they noticed a rugged cordillera of peaks as far as the eye could see. They had yet to notice the inhabitants living farther to the south, yet Noah knew they were there but said nothing to Jasher. Eventually, local farmers would see the two travelers on the road, and by custom, they would greet and invite the weary men to eat and stay in a nearby home for the night.

Nevertheless, as the day turned into evening, Noah and his grandson set a pace to reach a curious cave at the top of a lofty mountain, their final destination of their long journey eastward. The trip east had been exhausting, and it was worth noting that Noah had pushed his endurance hard that day. Thus, his back had begun to ache. He knew it was a sign that he would need rest, and it had to be soon. All day he had felt a pressing presentiment that his extended time in mortality was nearly at an end.

Noah glanced over at the young man and envied his youth and innocence. He understood how vital it had been to be here with his grandson while the young man was still open and teachable.

Noting the regrowth of the new civilization, Noah feared for Jasher's generation. Cain was already busy at work spreading his dogma, and his mentor Lucifer was never far behind. Noah could already sense the corrupting forces of darkness looming ahead, shooting forth their nefarious tentacles of influence once again among men.

To the south and east, Noah could see the mountain he sought. It had been many years, but he never doubted he would see it again. Memories came rushing back to him as he noticed the gentle slope of the summit as it connected with natural footpaths above the glacis. Eventually, with patience, the pathways eventually lead them to an unusually curious cavern near the apex wherein lay the records of his fathers.

Seeing how tired his grandfather appeared, Jasher suggested, Grandfather, I am tired. Let us rest here and make our way up the mount in the morning. Jasher could have pushed on to the top, but he could see how weary the older man was. It had been a long journey and exhausting for someone his age.

Noah had reached a point where he could still do some physical work or travel, but he paid for it dearly by the end of the day. He shook his head wearily but grinned at his thoughts. My back is sore, my ass is dragging, and I miss my bed. Yet I must complete one more task before my final rest.

The elder smiled and said, Very well, Jasher, if we must. This is probably a better location for a respite than most. Please find wood for our campfire while I rest my aging bones.

Jasher had watched Noah grow wearier with each passing day and made a note to keep a close eye on him on the morrow as they trekked up to the peak on the trip's final leg. He was unsure what he might find and its significance, but his grandfather had reassured him on several occasions that the journey had to occur and would directly affect him for the rest of his life. That had been enough for Jasher, but it had still been a rigorously long, tedious journey for a man Noah's age.

After a light meal of flatbread and dried fruit, Noah fell immediately asleep. Jasher, still awake, smiled in amusement as the snores frightened away the curious game that had come to investigate the intrusion into their habitat. Later, he watched as the stars in all their glory appeared. He wondered, not for the first time, whether he would ever understand their movements. Eventually, he, too, fell asleep.

The climb up the mountain the next day should have proven more arduous for Noah than Jasher had expected, but somehow his grandfather had found the strength to match him step for step. He was unaware of how Noah now had found the stamina, but he knew it had something to do with the mission before them.

Jasher had noticed more of a spring in Noah's step that morning, though he supposed that it was due to the excitement of arriving at the end of their long journey. In truth, he had seen Noah touched by the Creator before, but it had never been so obvious. It was clear that the years had seemed to drop off him with each passing step he had taken during the morning climb, giving him strength beyond his usual abilities. Noah seemed to stand before Jasher, a much younger man with the endurance he had not possessed in many years. Even the timbre of his voice had deepened without the usual slur or taxing slowness of age.

Along the footpath, Jasher happened by chance to glance up at a curious sight, a rock formation that was in the image of a cat's head. Pointing, he said, Grandfather, the outcropping up ahead appears unusual. Is that what I think it looks like?

Noah, up ahead, did not look back to Jasher, but with a slight nod, he replied, What does it look like, my son?

Well, from here, it looks like a cat.

It is, and just below it is the cave entrance. I had hoped that the effect of the flood had not damaged it. If you remember the formation, it will always unerringly point you to the cave.

A brief time later, Noah announced, Jasher, yonder, there is the entrance to the cavern. Smiling, Noah walked confidently towards the entrance, and just outside a metallic doorway, he found a lever recessed slightly into a hole in the mountain's rock face. The opening was large enough for a man to catch hold of the lever inside. Turning to Jasher, he instructed, Jasher, pull the lever out and let us see if the switch still works.

Now more than simply curious, Jasher bent over slightly and tentatively pulled the lever. Immediately, the door disengaged slightly from the entrance, revealing a partial view of the cavern inside. He gawked at the sight, never having seen anything operate in that manner before.

Noah smiled and commented on the obvious. "Yes, very impressive. Another switch on the inside wall locks and unlocks the entranceway from that side. To lock the entrance from the outside, push the door to the side as far as it will slide and listen for the clank. Then you know it will remain locked until your return trip. Pull the lever outside to re-open it."

Shaking his head in amazement, Jasher asked, "Who could have constructed such a thing?'

I suppose we shall never know, but my father Lamech knew the cave. If I had to guess the builder, I would say it was Seth, unquestionably the most intelligent man who ever lived, at least to hear my father describe him. He and Seth made the same journey you and I have made, and thus he had much time to acquaint himself with him, so I do not doubt Lamech's assessment of the man.

Jasher slid open the door, and as it had so many years before, Noah noted, the doorway moved smoothly along the grooved track built into the floor of the cave entrance. Once inside, he looked closer at the metallic doorway and how it fitted into the opposite wall. Jasher smiled as he made the connection.

Come, my son, let us go farther into the cavern. There are many things I must show you.

Once Jasher had entered the inner room, he was awe-struck at the vastness and warmth of the cave and the natural light that seemed to emanate from the walls. A short distance farther inside, Jasher received his first view of the records his ancestor Seth, son of Adam, had so assiduously written and later maintained. Prior to the flood, Noah and his father, Lamech, had added to the depository. Before today, Noah had yet to return since the deluge three hundred years previous.

Grandfather, he stammered, I had no idea to expect that the vault would be so vast. To what purpose were the records written?

They are of three kinds: Those that speak to the spiritual needs of the people, those that serve as historical documents of the times and seasons of all known civilizations of man, and our genealogy. Other recorders will be responsible for those that are spiritual and genealogical by category. It will be your mission to carry on Seth's legacy, observe men's actions, record, and maintain the historical records.

The young man was immediately overwhelmed by a burden he had never known or expected. Grandfather, how am I to do that?

With growing strength, Noah directed, Jasher, please kneel and receive your calling and a blessing.

Obediently, Jasher knelt before his great-great-grandfather. Noah then laid his hands upon his head and pronounced a calling and a blessing that would govern him for the rest of his amazing life. Noah spoke with strength and passion. He prophesied things to come from the Earth and heavens above. Noah left Jasher a blessing of long life and the power to persevere in the face of tragedy and evil. Jasher always remembered that blessing, and whenever trials appeared, he recalled Noah's words and drew strength from their message meant for him and to him alone.

And thus, Jasher, the historian, began a journey to discover his unique place among the myriads of the Creator's most remarkable creations, his children. Jasher gratefully realized that his personal agency would always govern and qualify his actions, just as his God had always intended. Because of that reassurance, he had the strongest impression that his potential in life would be limitless and eternal.

Part 1

The Bronze Plates, 2028

What is past is prologue.

– William Shakespeare

Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

– George Santayana

Chapter 1

William Bedford

Paleography is the study of ancient and historical documents and processes of handwriting. Sometimes included in the discipline is deciphering, reading, and dating historical manuscripts. It can be an essential skill for historians, as it tackles two main difficulties. First, since the style of a single alphabet in each given language has evolved constantly, it is necessary to know how to decipher its characters as they existed in various eras. Second, scribes often use many abbreviations, usually to write quickly and sometimes to save space, so the specialist paleographer must know how to interpret them. The paleographer must first learn the text's language and, second, the historical usages of various handwriting styles and common writing customs. The language, vocabulary, and grammar used at a given time or place can help paleographers to certify ancient authentic documents.

Knowledge of writing materials is also essential to studying handwriting and identifying the periods in which a document or manuscript could have been produced. An important goal might be to assign the text date and a place of origin: this is why the paleographer must consider the style and formation of the manuscript and the handwriting used.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaeography

The city of Austin, Texas, lies between the two large metropolitan areas of Dallas and San Antonio and within three hours of Houston, depending on who drives the family pickup that day. Until 1990, the city was a laid-back mecca for retirees, country and Western singers, and ex-hippies. Together, they had developed a strong sub-culture that made the city uniquely enjoyable. Later, those from the northern states, trying to escape the snow and high taxes, migrated to Austin, and attempted to re-invent the city in their image, but instead converted to its unique style: No place like Austin. They found a way for a peaceful coexistence that was the envy of most cities in the country. Moreover, given a world-class university that attracted some of the world's best minds, students came to learn, while academics came to share their knowledge.

The home of Professor William W. Bedford lay nestled within the rolling hills of west Austin in an up-scale neighborhood known as Lago Vista. The suburban community remained isolated from the current hustle and bustle of the Austin metropolitan area a few miles to the east. This began to change in 1990 when many from the northern states began a full-scale exodus to the Austin area to escape the wintry weather and high taxes. Even so, the Texas community is still notably quiet yet well represented by the middle and upper-middle-class families of the university and the executives of the high-tech companies that abound in the surrounding region.

A phone call had awoken Professor Bedford early on Tuesday morning. The persistent ringtone of his phone usually got his attention and drove back his dream state. He was about to let the call go to voice mail when he felt a hunch that something unusual would occur in his life.

The professor had experienced such feelings before and never regretted following them. So, now fully awake and alert, he reached out for the phone and, using his cell's voice recognition software, opened the connection for the incoming call.

Open. After the phone made the connection, he answered, Hello. This is William Bedford.

But somehow, he knew what was coming. The impression came to him so fiercely that its strength momentarily surprised him. The time has come, he thought. The truth of it was unmistakable.

Over the line and thousands of miles away, a confident, cultured voice said, Professor Bedford, we have never met, but I am quite familiar with your recent work, the male voice stated directly.

Bedford smiled, but the voice had hit a chord he had recognized, but from where he could not recollect. Well, given that I have only finished it and have not yet published it, that would seem highly unlikely, sir.

Quite so, professor. However, I have a unique set of ancient writings recorded on metallic plates that would augment and corroborate your current paper. Perhaps you would care to examine the recordings before you publish.

The professor swallowed an almost audible sigh of surprise and replied, I am listening.

The caller pressed on. Professor Bedford, for our introductions today, let me introduce myself as Benjamin Jasher, an antiquities dealer now living in Akko, Israel.

Bedford searched his mind to recollect anyone he had known by that name. Though his mind had drawn a blank, he felt sure he should know it. Mr. Jasher, please explain your artifact.

The condition of my relic is extraordinary and contains writing of a historical nature. Moreover, the language predates Sumerian. If you are interested, perhaps we can meet soon and discuss any terms of the acquisition. As if expecting approval, the caller left the sentence uninflected.

Bedford, usually cautious and reluctant to accept things at face value, quickly grasped the portent of what the caller described. Nonetheless, he felt a cautious response expected and would lend credibility to the conversation.

Sir, how do you know I would be interested in such a relic?

The caller paused momentarily and responded, I can assure you that after following your work over the past five years, it is now clear that you are ready to connect your research to the past you seek. Rest assured that the object in my possession will provide those connections.

Bedford had spent ten years trying to make a sociopolitical connection between failed ancient civilizations and modern ones. His recent papers postulated that something, or someone existed, which all such failed societies had in common. However, he still needed to convince the scientific community that such a connection existed and what it was, but he still lacked the absolute proof of that connection, though he knew he was close to finding the key.

Bedford had a few matters to tie up before leaving for Israel but, now intrigued and excited, replied, I can be at your shop by the end of the week. Let us decide on a day and a time and, of course, a location where I can meet with you and discuss the artifact in detail.

After taking note of the meeting information and thanking the man, Bedford disconnected the call. Blinking his eyes, he realized he was now wide awake. Following the phone call, the professor immediately arose from his bed and began preparing his itinerary for his departure to Israel. Given that he might be absent for more than a few days, he had decided to phone his campus aide to post his classes and clear his schedule for the remainder of the week.

Unbeknownst to Bedford, after breaking off the conversation with the antiquities dealer, a surveillance officer at a central command center deep inside a building in Langley, Virginia, had overheard the conversation between the two men. As an analyst employed by the largest information-gathering agency in the world, he thoughtfully considered the nature of the dialogue and made a prudent decision. He converted the dialogue recording into a written report and relayed the information to another CIA office inside the Langley campus in Virginia.

Late that morning, CIA AD James Perkins read the report with increased interest. He quickly phoned a subordinate since he had expected that such a report regarding Benjamin Jasher would eventually cross his desk. He added the field note to the Jasher dossier then immediately notified a surveillance team and organized a new assignment. Perkins dispatched the team a few days later to follow William Bedford, professor of archeology, an expert in paleology to Israel.

Chapter 2

Benjamin Jasher

And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in The Book of Jasher? So, the sun stood still amid heaven and hastened not to go down for a whole day.

– Joshua 10:13

And David lamented with lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan, his son:

(Also, he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in The Book of Jasher.)

– 2nd Samuel 1: 17–18

So, it began with a phone call. Two days later, in the early evening, William Bedford anxiously exited a taxi near the modern city of Haifa. He looked around and noted that the shop he was looking for was near a bustling street in the old market district of ancient Akko.

He slightly loosened his tie; the weather that day in northern Israel had turned mild. Bedford took a few more steps, and the scent of a nearby outdoor market assailed his senses and momentarily left him off-balanced and reminiscent of bygone years.

He reflected on his last visit to Akko seven years ago. He had visited the ancient city while researching biblical scriptures written in Aramaic. His son Wesley, though only fourteen then, had been a gifted young scholar and was on hand to assist Bedford with the work.

Bedford's thoughts returned to his son Wesley and the disappointingly tense goodbye six months earlier. An argument over Wes' choice of vocation had strained their relationship and had left them both raw with disappointment. Thus, the last time they saw each other was that day. Only short, terse conversations over the phone were now the norm.

If only Wes were here, he muttered.

Nevertheless, today he was feeling optimistic. His presentiment about the upcoming meeting was intense, and he thought this encounter would forever change his path and destiny. After a few more moments of reminiscing, he stood before the shop of Benjamin Jasher, dealer of antiquities.

The professor delighted in such shops. He was not mid-way through the doorway before the aroma of age enveloped him with impressions of humanity's ancient work suspended in time. Overhearing a discussion in progress and curious, Bedford turned toward the counter. He noted that the proprietor behind the counter listened and occasionally responded in a one-sided debate with an insistent, demonstrative customer. It was obvious that the customer continued to negotiate despite the owner's adamantly fixed asking price.

Bedford stood amused as the shopper held firm on his offer for the artifact as reasonable and worthy of thoughtful consideration. From the reaction and viewpoint of the proprietor, however, it was lower than what the item was worth. The professor admired the soft, cultured voice as he quietly responded to the agitated buyer. Bedford presumed the owner's polite responses would continue for a few more minutes, but he expected him to maintain his asking price.

Seeing he had time before he met the proprietor, Professor Bedford studied the man at a discreet distance. On closer study, Bedford could see that the younger man was handsome, with a slightly aquiline nose. He appeared tanned, taller than most men, with greenish-blue eyes and soft brown hair. Though the man was noticeably younger than most antiquities dealers he had known, he commanded a presence at once cultured and intellectual. His demeanor made it clear that he had an air of authority many men aspire to, but only a few ever achieve. His bearing seemed almost, but not quite, military. He gave the impression of being incredibly self-assured and poised beyond his apparent years.

Bedford had visited Israel and Palestine multiple times during the last decade, researching and meeting other scientists. With that experience, he prided himself on remembering names and faces, but he could not recall ever seeing this shop or even recognizing the proprietor. Like most men preeminent in any field of endeavor, Bedford made it a personal point to know everyone of importance that moved in his world. Always a meticulous, observant man, Bedford felt puzzled that he could not recognize the shop owner. I would have remembered him. His poise and sophistication are so unforgettable.

At length, the conversation between the shopkeeper and the customer abruptly ended the bargaining. The agreed-upon price was slightly more than the customer had hoped, but he seemed pleased with the purchase price of the item. Smiling, he left the shop with the figurine wrapped and boxed for his departure.

While waiting for the final words to conclude between the two men, the professor continued his stroll about the room, examining the relics on display. As he scanned the room, he realized the proprietor had not displayed the artifacts like most shopkeepers. Many antiquity dealers exhibit their wares as dusty ancient relics laid about a room in disarray. This proprietor had chosen a common theme for his displays. Though there was a vast array of objects, from bronze artifacts to sculptures, each had a similar origin, Macedonian, around the second century BCE. He noted it was more a museum than a shop for ancient artifacts.

With a start, Bedford realized that this was no ordinary nick-nack shop, and the proprietor was not a typical dealer. He pondered this certainty when he felt a presence approach quietly behind him. Without turning, he knew it would be the inimitable dealer of antiquities, Benjamin Jasher.

As Bedford turned, Jasher extended his hand in greeting and said, Thank you for coming, Professor Bedford. Welcome to my shop. It gives me great satisfaction and relief, if I may add, at finally meeting you personally.

Relief? What an odd phrase to use. Mr. Jasher, replied Bedford, the pleasure is all mine. His eyes scanned the room while he spoke. I must say I am extremely impressed by your establishment. I have traveled the world, yet never have I seen an array of items as captivating and uniquely thematic as yours. I trust this was no accident?

Jasher seemed to discern Bedford's thoughts as he clasped the professor's hand. He remarked, There is notably little about history that is accidental. Then a pause. Would you not agree, Professor Bedford?

A slight electric charge wound up along Bedford's arm at this comment. Something fleeting yet undeniably penetrating had passed between the two men. It was akin to affirming an idea fundamentally correct in thought that went beyond the usual conversation. If anything, Bedford's initial premonition at their meeting felt strengthened. He was confident that his presence with this charismatic, charming man would begin the discovery of ancient truths he had long sought.

Mr. Jasher, I would indeed agree.

I thought you might. Again, a slight nod accompanied a charming smile.

With smiles, both men shook hands and proprietor gave a squeeze of approval. Smiling, Jasher released his grip. Bedford realized it had been years since he had felt anything like that. Reluctantly, Professor Bedford released his grip and glanced down at his still-tingling arm, and he could not resist a smile.

Please excuse me, the proprietor murmured and turned.

Of course. Bedford waited with expectation of where this extraordinary encounter might lead.

Jasher walked over to the door, locked it, flipped around the OPEN sign, and pulled down the shades. Now alone, he beckoned Bedford toward an entry in the back of the shop and said, Please join me in my office where we may talk privately.

Now highly curious, Professor Bedford followed Jasher to his office. On the way, he continued to note the works of art on display, any of which would rival exhibits at the best museums in the world. Without exception, his collection of delicately honed sculptures and ancient relics appeared unmarred by time and were evident throughout the room.

It was amazing! Everything he saw was pristine, as though some long-ago artisan had just completed each artifact. Yet, the musty smell of age still permeated the shop. It was simply a contradiction, yet there it was. Regardless, if what he had already observed in this shop indicated the quality and artistry he was about to see, he knew he would soon be witnessing a relic without equal. Such a man would only display the best.

The office was immaculate; it should have come as no surprise. Jasher was outwardly in control, and his workplace accurately reflected the man. He had selected apparel tailored precisely and stylishly to fit his spare physique. The man outwardly exuded confidence and credibility while, by comparison, Bedford felt his attire outmoded and frumpish.

Now in the presence of this man, Bedford suddenly thought it imperative that Jasher should think of him as someone more highly respected than he now appeared. He felt more like a humble applicant seeking his first appointment at university, seated before the Head of the Science Department for his first interview. Nervous, he decided to wait to hear what Jasher had to say before he spoke.

The proprietor signaled Bedford to take a seat in front of an immense, chestnut oak escritoire of exquisite design. He must have sensed reticence and anxiety from the professor. So, instead of sitting behind the desk, he smoothly lifted a chair of matching size and quality, then placed it down to one side of the professor, signaling equality. Smiling, he sat.

Jasher declared, Professor Bedford, you have come a long distance to see me, and a man of your reputation must be busy, so I shall not waste your time in idle conversation. Thus, I shall come directly to the point. A slight pause then, I wish to deliver to you a message and my gift.

The Professor noted this last bit of information about a gift, and his feelings turned from curiosity to anticipation. Mr. Jasher, I don't know why I should feel this way, but I sense you have something to teach me, and though it has been years since I was in that position, I feel inclined to listen and be taught. So, please take your time. I am intrigued.

After a moment, as if to decide the best way to commence, Jasher looked directly at the Professor and asked, Professor, are you familiar with the so-called lost books of the Bible?

Bedford smiled inwardly as he finally got the jape between what the man was asking and his surname, Jasher. His name had to be a pseudonym, making him more mysterious. Who was he really?

Bedford did not wish to give offense by appearing overly condescending, but he did want to impress him. He replied, Do you refer, for example, to obscure passages in the Book of Joshua, chapter 10, and the Book of 2nd Samuel, chapter 1?

The professor could not resist a slight smile as he cited the connections to the references to a Jasher mentioned in the biblical scriptures. He recalled his search many years earlier as he ran across these same passages in the Old Testament as academics and theologians reference them today. He had also perused obscure religious tomes where serious scholars maintained and studied the book in detail.

Jasher seemed pleased by the response. "I see you know your Old Testament, Dr. Bedford, and you have understandably arrived upon what appears to be my little bon mot."

It did seem coincidental, replied Bedford.

Jasher smiled and continued, I did not intend to deceive you by using such an unusual name, you understand. Jasher is the name I have used for many years now. The Biblical references are obscure, and no one has bothered to connect them to my name, so I have never had a reason to admit a connection exists. That is, until now.

Bedford replied, I see. Then, to underscore his knowledge of the topic, he explained, "Collectively, the lost books of the Bible are those tomes referenced in the Bible in such a way that it is evident that they were considered authentic