t comfort, Mary, is that we lie here on the east of the
lake, and that we are within the jurisdiction of King Agrippa. On
this side, his authority has never been altogether thrown off;
though some of the cities have made common cause with those of the
other side. Still, we may hope that, on this side of Jordan, we may
escape the horrors of war."

"You are out of spirits, John, and take a gloomy view of things;
but I know that Simon, too, thinks that everything will end badly,
and I have heard him say that he, too, is glad that his farm lies
on this side of the lake; and that he wishes Gamala had not thrown
off the authority of the king, so that there might be naught to
bring the Romans across Jordan.

"Our mother is more hopeful. She trusts in God for, as she says,
though the wealthy and powerful may have forsaken Him, the people
still cling to Him; and He will not let us fall into the hands of
our enemies."

"I hope it will be so, Mary; and I own I am out of spirits, and
look at matters in the worst light. However, I will have a talk
with father, tonight."

That evening, John had a long conversation with Simon, and repeated
the forebodings he had expressed to Mary.

"At any rate, father, I hope that when the Romans approach you will
at least send away my mother, Mary, and the women to a place of
safety. We are but a few miles from Gamala and, if the Romans come
there and besiege it, they will spread through the country; and
will pillage, even if they do not slay, in all the villages. If, as
we trust, God will give victory to our arms, they can return in
peace; if not, let them at least be free from the dangers which are
threatening us."

"I have been thinking of it, John. A fortnight since, I sent old
Isaac to your mother's brother--whose farm, as you know, lies upon
the slopes of Mount Hermon, a few miles from Neve, and very near
the boundary of Manasseh--to ask him if he will receive Martha, and
Mary, and the women, until the troubles are over. He will gladly do
so; and I purpose sending them away, as soon as I hear that the
Romans have crossed the frontier."

"I am, indeed, rejoiced to hear it, father; but do not let them
tarry for that, let them go as soon as the snows have melted on
Mount Hermon, for the Roman cavalry will spread quickly over the
land. Let them go as soon as the roads are fit for travel. I shall
feel a weight off my mind, when I know that they are safe.

"And does my mother know what y