great King Cyrus. A prophet of sure
things and a reader of the thoughts of God, Daniel proved himself to our
people. And these are the words that he wrote." (Artaban read from the
second roll:) "'Know, therefore, and understand that from the going
forth of the commandment to restore Jerusalem, unto the Anointed One,
the Prince, the time shall be seven and threescore and two weeks.'"

"But, my son," said Abgarus, doubtfully, "these are mystical numbers.
Who can interpret them, or who can find the key that shall unlock their
meaning?"

Artaban answered: "It has been shown to me and to my three companions
among the Magi--Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. We have searched the
ancient tablets of Chaldea and computed the time. It falls in this year.
We have studied the sky, and in the spring of the year we saw two of the
greatest stars draw near together in the sign of the Fish, which is the
house of the Hebrews. We also saw a new star there, which shone for one
night and then vanished. Now again the two great planets are meeting.
This night is their conjunction. My three brothers are watching at the
ancient temple of the Seven Spheres, at Borsippa, in Babylonia, and I am
watching here. If the star shines again, they will wait ten days for me
at the temple, and then we will set out together for Jerusalem, to see
and worship the promised one who shall be born King of Israel. I believe
the sign will come. I have made ready for the journey. I have sold my
house and my possessions, and bought these three jewels--a sapphire, a
ruby, and a pearl--to carry them as tribute to the King. And I ask you
to go with me on the pilgrimage, that we may have joy together in
finding the Prince who is worthy to be served."

While he was speaking he thrust his hand into the inmost fold of his
girdle and drew out three great gems--one blue as a fragment of the
night sky, one redder than a ray of sunrise, and one as pure as the peak
of a snow mountain at twilight--and laid them on the outspread linen
scrolls before him.

But his friends looked on with strange and alien eyes. A veil of doubt
and mistrust came over their faces, like a fog creeping up from the
marshes to hide the hills. They glanced at each other with looks of
wonder and pity, as those who have listened to incredible sayings, the
story of a wild vision, or the proposal of an impossible enterprise.

At last Tigranes said: "Artaban, this is a vain dream. It comes from too
much look