to think that I, who have fought in
three wars, can fear a beardless youth, however fierce? Why, if I feared
you I have but to blow upon this whistle and my guards would hale you
hence to a felon's death. For your own sake it is that I pray you to
consider. Setting aside my rank and yours, I will fight you if you will,
and now. Yet think. If I kill you there is an end, and if by chance you
should kill me, you will be hunted down as a double murderer. As it is,
I forgive you, because I know how bitter is the jealousy of youth,
and because you struck no assassin's blow when you might have done so
safely. Therefore, I say, go in peace, knowing that I shall not break my
word."

"Cease talking," said Caleb, "and come out into the moonlight."

"I am glad that is your wish," replied Marcus. "Having done all I can
to save you, I will add that I think you a dangerous cub, of whom the
world, the lady Miriam and I alike will be well rid. Now, what weapon
have you? A short sword and no mail? Well, so have I. In this we are
well matched. Stay, I have a steel-lined cap, and you have none. There
it goes, to make our chances equal. Wind your cloak about your left arm
as I do. I have known worse shields. Good foothold, but an uncertain
light. Now, go!"

Caleb needed no encouragement. For one second they stood facing each
other, very types of the Eastern and Western world; the Roman--sturdy,
honest-eyed, watchful and fearless, his head thrown back, his feet
apart, his shield arm forward, his sword hand pressed to his side from
which the steel projected. Over against him was the Jew, crouched like a
tiger about to spring, his eyes half closed as though to concentrate the
light, his face working with rage, and every muscle quivering till his
whole flesh seemed to move upon his bones, like to that of a snake.
Suddenly, uttering a low cry, he sprang, and with that savage onslaught
the fight began and ended.

Marcus was ready; moreover, he knew what he would do. As the man came,
stepping swiftly to one side, he caught the thrust of Caleb's sword in
the folded cloak, and since he did not wish to kill him, struck at his
hand. The blow fell upon Caleb's first finger and severed it, cutting
the others also, so that it dropped to the ground with the sword that
they had held. Marcus put his foot upon the blade, and wheeled round.

"Young man," he said sternly, "you have learnt your lesson and will bear
the mark of it till your death day. Now b