ive as
slaves in the hands of the Romans."

A month later, John learned the fate that had befallen the two
Jewish leaders. Both were dragged in the triumphal procession of
Titus through the streets of Rome; then, according to the cruel
Roman custom, Simon was first scourged and then executed, as the
bravest of the enemies of Rome, while John of Gischala was
sentenced to imprisonment for life.

The day after the news of the return to Rome and triumph of Titus
arrived, John asked Philo to tell Tibellus that he prayed that he
would hear him, as he wished to speak to him on a subject connected
with Titus. Wondering what his Jewish slave could have to say about
the son of the emperor, Tibellus, upon hearing from Philo of the
request, at once ordered John to be brought to him.

"Let me bring my companion, also, with me," John said to Philo. "He
is my adopted brother, and can bear evidence to the truth of my
statements."

When they reached the colonnade Philo told them to stop there and,
a minute later, Tibellus came out.

"Philo tells me that you have something to say to me, concerning
Titus."

"I have, my lord," John said, and he advanced and held out the
ring.

The Roman took it, and examined it.

"It is a signet ring of Titus!" he said, in surprise. "How came you
by this? This is a grave matter, slave; and if you cannot account
satisfactorily as to how you came possessed of this signet, you had
better have thrown yourself into the sea, or swallowed poison, than
have spoken of your possession of this signet."

"It was given to me by Titus, himself." John said.

The Roman made a gesture of anger.

"It is ill jesting with the name of Caesar," he said, sternly.
"This is Caesar's ring. Doubtless it was stolen from him. You may
have taken it from the robber by force, or fraud, or as a gift--I
know not which--but do not mock me with such a tale as that Caesar
gave one of his signets to you, a Jew."

"It is as I said," John replied, calmly. "Titus himself bestowed
that ring upon me; and said that, if I desired to come to him at
any time, and showed it to a Roman, it would open all doors, and
bring me to his presence."

"You do not speak as if you were mad," Tibellus said, "and yet your
tale is not credible.

"Are you weary of life, Jew? Do you long to die by torture? Philo
has spoken well to me of you and your young companion. You have
laboured well, and cheerfully, he tells me; and are skilled at your
work.