faced about and stood with raised lances.

"Proud son and daughter of Publius," said Antipater, drawing rein, "my
heart, my horses, and my men are at your service!" He was now splendid
in royal vestments of purple and gold.

"Our gratitude is not less than our surprise," said Appius. "How came
you flying out of the west like a bluebird?"

"'Tis a winged foot that goes to meet a friend," said the prince. "I
left Rome far behind you and I go to Jerusalem."

"We took you for a bandit."

"And I am only a king," said Antipater, proudly. "I am summoned to
take the crown of my father."

"And is he dead?"

"Nay, but ill and weary of his burden."

Appius removed his helmet as he made answer:

"The gods give you health, honor, and wisdom, O king! Will you ride
with us?"

"Already the gods give me honor," said the prince, bowing politely as
the troop made way for him. "I doubt not they will add health and
wisdom. But there is a blessing I put above either."

They started slowly, Antipater riding between Arria and her brother in
advance of the troop.

"And shall we ask the gods to grant it?" said Arria.

"Yes, for it is your favor, sweet girl. I adore you, and shall have no
other queen."

"I cannot give you my heart," said she, frankly. "It is impossible--I
cannot bear to speak of it."

"And you would not share my power and glory with me?" said Antipater,
turning, with a look of surprise.

Appius answered:

"Once before I have told you, my worthy prince, that whom the emperor
chooses she will wed."

"Think not of that--I shall make terms with him," said Antipater. "She
shall never wed a weak-hearted tribune."

"You speak lightly of my friend," said Appius. "I like it not, good
sire."

"Son of Herod," said Arria, drawing rein, "we cannot longer enjoy your
company."

Appius halted the troop.

For a little Antipater was dumb with astonishment. He drew aside, and
when he spoke his voice trembled with ire, it was near bursting into
fury.

"Sweet girl," said he, caressing the neck of his horse, "not even the
power of Rome shall forbid me to love you, and I swear, by the god of
my fathers, no man shall live between us!" He turned quickly, and a
fierce look came into his eyes and he added, in a hoarse half-whisper,
"You shall be my wife, sister of Appius."

The young Roman wheeled his horse between them. Antipater backed away,
threatening with his lance. He shouted to his trumpeter, his troo