the risk of breaking
our legs among the rocks. We are safe, here; and had best lie down
until morning, and then resume our way. There is no fear, whatever,
of the Romans sending out parties, for days. They have the upper
city to take, yet, and the work of plunder and division of the
spoil to carry out. We can sleep without anxiety."

It was strange, to them all, to lie down to sleep among the
stillness of the mountains, after the din and turmoil of the siege
when, at any moment, they might be called upon to leap up to repel
an attack. But few of them went off to sleep, for some time. The
dull feeling of despair, the utter carelessness of life, the desire
for death and the end of trouble which had so long oppressed
them--these had passed away, now that they were free, and in the
open air; and the thoughts of the homes they had never thought to
see again, and of the loved ones who would greet them, on their
return, as men who had almost come back from the dead, fell upon
them. They could go back with heads erect, and clear consciences.
They had fought, so long as the Temple stood. They had, over and
over again, faced the Romans hand to hand, without giving way a
foot. They had taken no share in the evil deeds in the city, and
had wronged and plundered no one. They did not return as
conquerors, but that was the will of God, and no fault of theirs.

At daybreak they were on their feet again, and now struck off more
to the left; following mountain paths among the hills until, at
last, they came down to the plain, within half a mile of the upper
end of the Dead Sea. John here called his companions round him.

"Here, my friends," he said, "I think it were best that we
separated; laying aside our swords and, singly or in pairs, finding
the way back to our homes. We know not in what towns there may be
Roman garrisons, or where we may meet parties of their soldiers
traversing the country. Alone, we shall attract no attention. One
man may conceal himself behind a tree, or in the smallest bush; but
the sight of a party, together, would assuredly draw them upon us.
Therefore, it were best to separate. Some of you will find it
shorter to cross the ford of the Jordan, three miles away; while
others had best follow this side of the river."

All agreed that this would be the safer plan and, after a short
talk, each took leave of his leader and comrades, and strode away;
until Jonas, alone, remained with John.

"Will you cross th