to fight in the national army, when the day
of deliverance should arrive; but beyond that, the Jews had no
military training, whatever. Their army would be simply a gathering
of the men capable of bearing arms, throughout the land--each ready
to give his life, for his faith and his country; relying, like
their forefathers, on the sword of the Lord and Israel, but without
the slightest idea of military drill, discipline, or tactics. Such
an army might fight bravely, might die nobly, but it could have
little chance of victory over the well-trained legions of imperial
Rome.

At noon, Josephus embarked in a galley with his little band of
followers--eight in number--and sailed across the lake to Tiberias.
Here they landed, and went up to the house in which Josephus always
dwelt, when in that city. His stay there was generally short,
Tarichea being his general abode--for there he felt in safety, the
inhabitants being devoted to him; while those of Tiberias were ever
ready to follow the advice of the disaffected, and a section were
eager for the return of the Romans, and the renewal of the business
and trade which had brought wealth to the city, before the troubles
began.

That evening, Josephus sent for John, and said:

"I purpose, in two days, to go to Tarichea, where I shall spend the
Sabbath. I hear that there is a rumor that many of the citizens
have, privately, sent to King Agrippa asking him to send hither
Roman troops, and promising them a good reception. The men with me
are known, to many in the city, and would be shunned by my enemies,
and so would hear naught of what is going on; therefore, I purpose
to leave you here.

"In the morning, go early to the house of Samuel, the son of
Gideon. He dwells in the street called that of Tarichea, for it
leadeth in the direction of that town. He is a tanner, by trade;
and you will have no difficulty in finding it. He has been here,
this evening, and I have spoken to him about you and, when you
present yourself to him, he will take you in. Thus, no one will
know that you are of my company.

"Pass your time in the streets and, when you see groups of people
assemble, join yourself to them and gather what they are saying. If
it is ought that is important for me to know, come here and tell me
or, if it be after I have departed for Tarichea, bring me the news
there. It is but thirty furlongs distant."

John followed up the instructions given him, and was hospitably
received