for three years, we did what we could to oppose the
progress of the Roman arms. It was as if a fly should try to stop a
camel. Still, we did what we could, and any of the Roman officers
who served under Titus would tell you that, of those who opposed
them in the field, there was no more active partisan than the
leader who was generally known as John of Gamala."

"You, John of Gamala!" Tibellus exclaimed. "In frequent letters
from my friends with the army I have read that name, and heard how
incessant was the watchfulness required to resist his attacks, and
how often small garrisons and parties were cut off by him. It was
he, too, who burned Vespasian's camp, before Gamala. And you tell
me, young man, that you are that Jewish hero--for hero he was,
though it was against Rome he fought?"

"I tell you so, my lord; and my adopted brother here, who was with
me through these campaigns, will confirm what I say. I say it not
boastingly, for my leadership was due to no special bravery on my
part, but simply because the young men of the band thought that God
had specially chosen me to lead them."

"And now, about Titus," Tibellus said briefly, more and more
convinced that his slave was audaciously inventing this story.

"Once, near Hebron," John said, "I was passing through a valley,
alone; when Titus, who was riding from Carmelia in obedience to a
summons from Vespasian--who was at Hebron--came upon me. He
attacked me, and we fought--"

"You and Titus, hand to hand?" Tibellus asked, with a short laugh.

"Titus and I, hand to hand," John repeated, quietly. "He had
wounded me twice, when I sprang within his guard and closed with
him. His foot slipped, and he fell. For a moment I could have slain
him, if I would, but I did not.

"Then I fainted from loss of blood. Titus was shortly joined by
some of his men, and he had me carried down to his camp; where I
was kindly nursed for a week, he himself visiting me several times.
At the end of that time he dismissed me, giving me his signet ring,
and telling me that if ever again I fell into the hands of the
Romans, and wished to see him, I had but to show the ring to a
Roman, and that he would send me to him."

"And to him you shall go," Tibellus said, sternly; "and better
would it have been that you had never been born, than that I should
send you to him with such a tale as this."

So saying, he turned away, while John and his companion returned to
their work. The Roman offi