rd Marcus lives. If he were dead they would have stripped him and
left his body with the others. He lives, and they purpose to hold him
captive, else they would have suffered Caleb to put his sword through
him, as you noted he wished to do so soon as he found his feet."

"Captive," answered Miriam. "That means that he will be crucified like
the others whom we saw yesterday upon the Temple wall."

Nehushta shrugged her shoulders.

"It may be so," she said, "unless he finds means to destroy himself
or--is saved."

"Saved! How can he be saved?" Then in her woe the poor girl fell upon
her knees clasping her hands and murmuring: "Oh! Jesus Christ whom I
serve, teach me how to save Marcus. Oh! Jesus, I love him, although he
is not a Christian; love him also because I love him, and teach me how
to save him. Or if one must die, take my life for his, oh! take my life
for his."

"Cease," said Nehushta, "for I think I hear an answer to your prayer.
Look now, he is laid just where the stair starts and not six feet from
the stone door that leads down into the cistern. Except for some dead
men the tower is empty; also the two sentries stand outside the breach
in the brickwork with which it was walled up, because there they find
more light, and their prisoner is unarmed and helpless, and cannot
attempt escape. Now, if the Roman lives and can stand, why should we not
open that door and thrust him through it?"

"But the Jews might see us and discover the secret of the hiding-place
of the Essenes, whom they would kill because they have hidden food."

"Once we were the other side of the door, they could never come at them,
even if they have time to try," answered Nehushta. "Before ever they
could burst the door the stone trap beneath can be closed and the roof
of the stair that leads to it let down by knocking away the props and
flooded in such a fashion that a week of labour would not clear it out
again. Oh! have no fear, the Essenes know and have guarded against this
danger."

Miriam threw her arms about the neck of Nehushta and kissed her.

"We will try, Nou, we will try," she whispered, "and if we fail, why
then we can die with him."

"To you that prospect may be pleasing, but I have no desire to die with
the lord Marcus," answered Nehushta drily. "Indeed, although I like him
well, were it not for your sake I should leave him to his chance. Nay,
do not answer or give way to too much hope. Remember, perhaps he is
dead, as h