people. And they shall fall by the
edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations; and
Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the
Gentiles be fulfilled."

Benoni listened patiently until she had done. Then he answered with
contempt:

"So says the book of your Law, but mine tells me otherwise. Well,
child, if you believe it and are afraid, begone with your friends, the
Christians, and leave me to meet this storm alone."

"I do believe it," she answered quietly, "but I am not afraid."

"That is strange," he said, "since you must then believe also that you
will come to a cruel death, which has terrors for the young and fair."

"Not so, grandfather, for this same writing promises that in these
troubles not one of us Christians shall perish. It is for you that I
fear, not for myself, who will go where you go, and bide where you bide.
Therefore, once more, and for the last time, I pray you to be wise and
fly--who otherwise must be slain"; and as Miriam said the words her blue
eyes filled with tears.

Benoni looked at her and for a moment his courage was shaken.

"Of your book I take no account," he said, "but in the vision of your
pure spirit I am tempted to believe. Perhaps the things that you foresee
will happen, so, child, fly. You will not lack an escort and I can give
you treasure."

She shook her head. "I have said that I will not go without you."

"Then I fear that you here must bide, for I will not leave my wealth and
home, even to save my life, and still less will I desert my people in
their holy war. Only, Miriam, if things fall out ill for us, remember
that I entreated you to depart, and do not reproach me."

"That I shall never do," she answered, smiling, and coming to the old
man kissed him tenderly.

So they abode on in Tyre, and a week later the storm burst.

For many days it had not been safe for Jews to show themselves in the
streets of the city, since several who crept out about their business,
or to fetch water or provisions, had been set upon and beaten to death
by the mob, stirred up to the work by Roman emissaries. This time Benoni
had employed in putting his house, which was part of an ancient fortress
that had stood many a siege, into a state of defence, and in supplying
it with an ample store of victuals. Also he sent messengers to Caleb,
who was said to be in command of the Jewish force at Joppa, telling him
of their peril. Because it was so