until we are called upon to aid in the
defense of the Temple. When the hour comes, I shall be ready to
lead, if you are ready to follow."

John's address received general approval, and the gathering
dispersed; all vowing that they would assemble in the spring, and
follow John wherever he chose to lead them--for he was already
regarded with an almost superstitious admiration in the country
around. His deliverance at Jotapata and the success that he, alone
of the Jewish leaders, had gained over the Romans, marked him in
their eyes as one specially chosen by God to lead them to victory;
and in a few hours the hill above Gamala was deserted, and John and
his followers were all on their way towards their homes.

Chapter 10: Captives.

John was received with great joy by his father; who had already
heard the story brought by the injured member of the band from
Gamala, and was filled with pride that his son should so have
distinguished himself. He at once agreed to John's proposal that he
should start, on the following day, to fetch the women from Neve,
as there was no longer any fear of trouble from the Romans. Galilee
was completely subdued and, whatever events might take place in
Judea, those in the north would be unaffected by them.

The day after his return, then, John set out with Jonas for Neve.
John charged his companion on no account to say anything of their
doings at the siege of Gamala; and as communication was difficult,
and they had not heard from Simon since John had left him, his
friends at Neve were not aware that he had been absent from the
farm. Martha and Mary were delighted to see him, and to hear that
all was well at home. They had been greatly alarmed at the news of
the slaughter of the fishermen on the lake, fearing that John might
have gone across to Tarichea with some of his friends in the
village. Their fears on this head, however, abated as time passed
on and they did not hear from Simon; who, they felt assured, would
have brought the news to Martha, had aught happened to their son.

They had mourned over the siege and massacre of Gamala, and had
been filled with joy when the news had arrived, three days before,
that the Roman army had marched away to take up its quarters for
the winter; and they had looked for the summons, which John
brought, for their return home.

"And does your father think, John, that there will be trouble again
in the spring? Shall we have to leave home again, as