t is. That thief beat me with his staff, and
called me the son of a dog, and I swore that I would pay him back. Pay
him back I did, for the head of that shaft which Nehushta noted, stands
out a span beyond his neck. They never saw who shot it; they never saw
me at all, who thought at first that the man had fallen from his horse.
By the time they knew the truth I was away where they could not follow.
Now go and tell the story if you will, or let Nehushta, who hates me,
tell it, and give me over to be tortured by the servants of the high
priest, or crucified as a murderer by the Romans."

"Neither Nehushta nor I saw this deed done, nor shall we bear witness
against you, Caleb, or judge you, who doubtless were provoked by violent
and lawless men. Yet, Caleb, you told me that you came out to warn us,
and it grieves me to learn that the true wish of your heart was to take
the life of a man."

"It is false," he answered angrily; "I said that I came to warn you, and
afterwards to kill a hyena. To make you safe--that was my first thought,
and until you were safe my enemy was safe also. Miriam, you know it
well."

"Why should I know it? To you, Caleb, I think revenge is more than
friendship."

"Perhaps; for I have few friends who am a penniless orphan brought up by
charity. But, Miriam, to me revenge is not more than--love."

"Love," she stammered, turning crimson to her hair and stepping back a
pace; "what do you mean, Caleb?"

"What I say, neither more nor less," he answered sullenly. "As I have
worked one crime to-day, I may as well work two, and dare to tell the
lady Miriam, the Queen of the Essenes, that I love her, though she loves
not me--as yet."

"This is madness," faltered Miriam.

"Mayhap, but it is a madness which began when first I saw you--that was
soon after we learned to speak--a madness which will continue until I
cease to see you, and that shall be soon before I grow silent forever.
Listen, Miriam, and do not think my words only those of a foolish boy,
for all my life shall prove them. This love of mine is a thing with
which you must reckon. You love me not--therefore, even had I the power,
I would not force myself upon you against your will; only I warn you,
learn to love no other man, for then it shall go ill either with him or
with me. By this I swear it," and, snatching her to him, Caleb kissed
her on the forehead, then let her go, saying, "Fear not. It is the first
and last time, except by your o