t the case, which was desperate
enough. It was evident, he said, that they could not hold out another
day, since at nightfall the Syrians would cross the narrow protecting
ditch and set up a battering-ram against the inner wall. Therefore,
they must do one of two things--sally out and attempt to cut their way
through and gain open country, or fight on and at the last kill the
women and children and rush out, those that were left of them, to be
hacked down by the besieging thousands. As the first plan gave no hope,
since, cumbered as they were with helpless people, they could not expect
to escape the city, in their despair they decided on the second. All
must die, therefore they would perish by each other's hands. When this
decision was known, a wail went up from the women and the children began
to scream with fright, those of them who were old enough to understand
their doom.

Nehushta caught Miriam by the arm.

"Come to the highest roof," she said; "it is safe from the stones and
arrows, and thence, if need be, we can hurl ourselves into the water and
die an easy death."

So they went and crouched there, praying, for their case was desperate.
Suddenly Nehushta touched Miriam and pointed to the sea. She looked and
saw another galley approaching fast as oars and sails could bring her.

"What of it?" she asked heavily. "It will but hasten the end."

"Nay," replied Nehushta, "this ship is Jewish; she does not fly the
Eagles, or a Phoenician banner. Behold! the Syrian vessel is getting up
her anchors and preparing for fight."

It was true enough, for now the oars of the Syrian shot out and she
forged ahead towards the newcomer. But just then the current caught
her, laying her broadside on, whereon the Jewish ship, driven by the
following wind, shifted her helm and, amidst a mighty shouting from sea
and shore, drove down upon her, striking her amidships with its beak so
that she heeled over. Then there was more tumult, and Miriam closed her
eyes to shut out the horrid sight.

When she opened them again the Syrian galley had vanished, only the
water was spotted with black dots which were the heads of men.

"Gallantly done!" screamed Nehushta. "See, she anchors and puts out her
boats; they will save us yet. Down to the water-gate!"

On their way they met Benoni coming to seek them, and with him won the
steps which were already crowded with fugitives. The two boats of the
galley drew near and in the bow of the first o