ke up their quarters, while the others could
find lodging near. The reason why so many houses were empty there
was that it was somewhat exposed to the irruptions of Simon's men
from the upper town, as they frequently came down and robbed those
who entered the city at the Damascus Gate, from which led the great
north road.

Crowds of fugitives were making their way by this road to the city,
flying before the advance of the Romans; who were, they said, but a
few hours' march in their rear. Many were men, coming to take their
part in the defense of the city; but the great proportion were old
men, women, and children, flying for refuge. John shook his head,
as he watched the stream of fugitives, for he well knew the horrors
that would befall the besieged town.

"Better a thousand times," he said to Jonas, "that these poor
people should have remained in their villages. They have nothing
which would tempt the cupidity of the Roman soldiers, and no evil
might have befallen them; whereas now they will perish by famine or
disease, or be slain by the Romans, besides consuming the food
which would have sustained the fighting men. Were I master of
Jerusalem I would, when I heard the Romans were approaching, have
cleared out from the city all who could not aid in the defense It
would have seemed a harsh action; but it would have been a merciful
one, and would greatly strengthen the power of resistance."

Chapter 14: Jerusalem.

Mingling with the crowd, John and his followers made their way
through the Damascus Gate into Jerusalem, and followed the Damascus
Street to the Gate of Ephraim. An air of sombre misery pervaded the
whole population. In their hearts the greater portion of the
population had, for many months, been longing for the approach of
the Romans. Even death would be preferable to the misery which they
suffered. There were but few people in the streets; for all
remained in their houses, with closed doors, save when necessity
drove them out to make purchases. Turning sharp round by the wall,
the members of the band made their way along by it, until they were
met by one or other of those who had gone on in advance, and were
conducted to the house which had been hired for them.

The inhabitants of the houses near looked out of their windows in
alarm, when they saw so many armed men arriving; but they gained
courage, on observing their quiet and orderly demeanor; and doors
were presently unbolted, and men came o