most desperate services, and to set
an example of courage and devotion.

"Now let us count our numbers, and arrange ourselves anew into
companies."

It was found that the bands composed of men from Tiberias, and the
other cities of the lake, had entirely disappeared; and that those
who had stayed were principally hardy dwellers among the hills.
They were again divided into twenty companies of thirty men each
and, after examining their arms, and seeing that all were well
provided, John gave the order, and the band set off.

Keeping on the eastern side of Jordan they stopped at a large
village, near the ford opposite Jericho; and here a quantity of
grain was purchased, and was made up into sacks, each weighing
fifty pounds.

"The granaries that remain will be principally in the hands of the
troops of John, or Simon," John said; "and it is as well that we
should have our own store to depend upon. So long as we can buy
food, we will do so; and we can fall back upon our own magazine, if
necessary. It will be best for two or three of us to go into the
city, first, and find a quarter where we can lodge close together,
and as far removed as possible from the factions. Simon holds the
upper town, and John the Temple; therefore we will establish
ourselves in the lower town. We will not go in in a body, for they
might refuse us admittance; but as the Romans approach there will
be a stream of fugitives entering the city. We will mingle with
them, and pass in unobserved.

"Many of the fugitives will be carrying the goods they most value;
and many, doubtless, will take in provisions with them. Therefore,
our sacks of grain will not excite attention."

It was five years since John had journeyed up with his parents to
Jerusalem, and he therefore knew but little of the city. Some of
his followers, however, had been there more recently; and he picked
out four of these, one of whom was a captain of a company, to enter
the city and find a suitable post for them. The whole band crossed
the Jordan together, and made a detour to avoid Jericho, where the
Tenth Legion had been quartered during the winter. Then they took
their way up the steep road through the hills until, passing
through Bethany, they came out on the crest of the hill looking
down upon the Valley of Jehoshaphat; with the Temple rising
immediately opposite to them, and the palace of Agrippa, and the
crowded houses of the city, in the background.

Illustration: John a