Tibellus at once ordered John to be released from all further work,
the badge of slavery to be removed, and that he should be supplied
with handsome garments, removed into the house, and assigned an
apartment with the freedmen. The bearer of the signet of Titus--now
that it was ascertained that the signet had been really given to
him by Caesar--was an important person, and was to be received with
consideration, if not honour. When these changes had been made,
John was again brought before Tibellus.

"Is there anything else that I can do for your comfort, as one who
has been honoured by Titus, himself, our future emperor? You have
but to express your wishes, and I shall be glad to carry them out."

"I would ask, then," John said, "that my friend and companion may
be set free, and allowed to accompany me to Rome. He is my adopted
brother. He has fought and slept by my side, for the last four
years; and your bounty to me gives me no pleasure, so long as he is
labouring as a slave."

Tibellus at once sent for Philo, and ordered the collar to be filed
from the neck of Jonas, and for him to be treated in the same
manner as John.

The next day Tibellus invited John to accompany him to the barracks
and, as he would take no excuses, he was obliged to do so.

Tibellus presented him to the general and his officers, who
received him very cordially; and were much struck with his quiet
demeanour, and the nobility of his bearing. John had, for four
years, been accustomed to command; and the belief, entertained by
his followers, in his special mission had had its effect upon his
manner. Although simple and unassuming in mind; and always ready,
on his return to the farm, to become again the simple worker upon
his father's farm; he had yet, insensibly, acquired the bearing of
one born to position and authority.

He was much above the ordinary height; and although his figure was
slight, it showed signs, which could well be appreciated by the
Romans, of great activity and unusual strength. His face was
handsome, his forehead lofty, his eyes large and soft; and in the
extreme firmness of his mouth and his square chin and jaw were
there, alone, signs of the determination and steadfastness which
had made him so formidable a foe to the Romans.

"So you are John of Gamala!" the general said. "We have, doubtless,
nearly crossed swords, more than once. You have caused us many a
sleepless night, and it seemed to us that you and your band