many people still believe was the Messiah. He says
that he foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, by the Romans; and
warned his followers not to stay in the walled cities, but to fly
to the deserts when the time came."

"The Messiah was to save Israel," Joab said, scornfully. "Christ
could not save even himself."

"I know not," John said, simply. "I have heard of him from others;
and my father heard him preach, several times, near the lake. He
says that he was a man of wondrous power, and that he preached a
new doctrine. He says that he did not talk about himself, or claim
to be the Messiah; but that he simply told the people to be kind
and good to each other, and to love God and do his will. My father
said that he thought he was a good and holy man, and full of the
Spirit of God. He did works of great power, too; but bore himself
meekly, like any other man. My father always regards him as a
prophet; and said that he grieved, when he heard that he had been
put to death at Jerusalem. If he were a prophet, what he said about
the destruction of Jerusalem should have weight with us."

"All who heard him agreed that he was a good man," Joab assented.
"I have never known one of those who heard him say otherwise, and
maybe he was a prophet. Certainly, he called upon the people to
repent and turn from their sins and, had they done as he taught
them, these evils might not have fallen upon us, and God would
doubtless have been ready to aid his people, as of old.

"However, it is too late to think about it, now. We want all our
thoughts for the matter we have in hand. We have done all that we
can to put this town into a state of defense and, methinks, if the
Romans ever penetrate through these mountains and forests, they
will see that they have a task which will tax all their powers,
before they take Jotapata."

The position of the town was, indeed, immensely strong. It stood on
the summit of a lofty mass of rock which, on three sides, fell
abruptly down into the deep and almost impassable ravines which
surrounded it. On the north side, alone, where the ridge sloped
more gradually down, it could be approached. The town extended part
of the way down this declivity and, at its foot, Josephus had built
a strong wall. On all sides were lofty mountains, covered with
thick forests; and the town could not be seen by an enemy, until
they were close at hand.

As soon as Vespasian had arrived at Ptolemais (on the site of which
city