en, great allowance must be made for the dark colors in
which he is painted. The fact that he was regarded with affection
and devotion by his troops, who were willing to go to certain death
at his orders, shows that at least there must have been many good
qualities in him; and history records no instance of more desperate
and sustained bravery than he exhibited in defense of Jerusalem.

The frankness of John's speech, instead of angering him, pleased
him much.

"Enough," he said. "I need no further time to reflect. A man who
had thought of treachery would not speak so boldly, and fearlessly,
as you do. Let us be friends.

"I have often wondered what sort of man was the John of Gamala of
whom I have heard so much, and who has so long kept the field
against the Romans; and although I wonder greatly at seeing you so
young a man, yet I rejoice that so valiant a fighter should be
here, to aid us in the struggle. Here is my hand, in token of
amity."

John took the hand held out to him, and a shout of satisfaction
rose from the armed men on either side--the followers of John being
rejoiced that they would not be called upon to engage in civil
strife, those of Simon well satisfied that they were not to be
called upon to attack a body of men who looked such formidable
antagonists.

Just at this moment, a man rode in at the gate, saying that the
Romans were but two miles distant, and would speedily make their
appearance over the Hill of Scopus. Simon ordered a party of his
men to proceed at once to Damascus Gate, and to close it as soon as
the Romans were visible. Then he turned again to John.

"Come up with me," he said, "to the Palace of Herod. From its
summit, we can see the enemy approaching."

Giving orders to his men to lay aside their arms, and calling Jonas
to accompany him, John without hesitation turned to accompany
Simon. The latter had hardly expected him to accept his invitation,
and the readiness with which he did so at once pleased and
gratified him. It was a proof of fearlessness, and a testimony to
John's belief in his faith and honor John of Gischala, treacherous
himself, would not have placed himself in his power, whatever the
guarantee he gave for his safety; while he himself would not have
confided himself to John of Gischala, though the latter had sworn
to his safety with his hand on the altar.

John, himself, was struck with the rugged grandeur of Simon's
appearance. He was far above the stature