hich have been laid against him, with the particulars of which you are
acquainted, which said particulars you will find awaiting you in Rome,
of having conspired with certain other Jews, to overthrow the authority
of Caesar in this his province of Judaea.

"(Signed) Gessius Florus, Procurator."

Benoni having read sank back upon his couch, gasping, his white face
livid with surprise and fear. Then a thought seemed to strike him.
Seizing the paper he tore it into fragments.

"Now, Roman," he said, "where is your warrant?"

"In my pocket," answered Marcus; "that which I showed you was but a
copy. Nay, do not ring, do not touch that bell. See this," and he drew
a silver whistle from his robe. "Outside your gate stand fifty soldiers.
Shall I sound it?"

"Not so," answered Benoni. "I will swear the oath, though indeed it is
needless. Why should you suppose that I could wish to force this maid
into any marriage, or to work her evil on account of matters of her
faith?"

"Because you are a Jew and a bigot. You gave her father and her mother
to a cruel death, why should you spare her? Also you hate me and all
my people; why, then, should you not favour my rival, although he is a
murderer whose life I have twice spared at the prayer of Miriam? Swear
now."

So Benoni lifted his hand and swore a solemn oath that he would not
force his granddaughter, Miriam, to marry Caleb, or any other man;
and that he would not betray the secret of her faith, or persecute her
because of it.

"It is not enough," said Marcus. "Write it down and sign."

So Benoni went to the table and wrote out his undertaking and signed it,
Marcus signing also as a witness.

"Now, Benoni," he said, as he took the paper, "listen to me. That
warrant leaves your taking to my discretion, after I have made search
into the facts. I have made such search and it seems that I am not
satisfied. But remember that the warrant is still alive and can be
executed at any moment. Remember also that you are watched and if
you lift a finger against the girl, it will be put in force. For the
rest--if you desire that the prophecy of the Essene should not come
true, it is my advice that you cease from making plots against the
majesty of Caesar. Now bid your servant summon him who waits in the
antechamber, that he may discharge my debt. And so farewell. When and
where we shall meet again I do not know, but be sure that we shall
meet." Then Marcus left the portico.

Benoni w