at the object for which we came here, and for which we
are ready to die, without any real benefit to those on whom we
bestowed the food."

A general chorus of approval showed that the speaker represented
the opinion of his comrades. After a pause, he went on:

"There is another reason why we should keep what we, ourselves,
have brought in here. You know how the soldiers of Simon persecute
the people--how they torture them to discover hidden stores of
food, how they break in and rob them as they devour, in secret, the
provisions they have concealed. I know not whether hunger could
drive us to act likewise, but we know the lengths to which famished
men can be driven. Therefore, I would that we should be spared the
necessity for such cruelties, to keep life together. We are all
ready to die, but let it be as strong men, facing the enemy, and
slaying as we fall."

Again, the murmur of approval was heard; and John felt that it
would be worse than useless to urge the point. He admitted to
himself that there was reason in the argument; and that, while a
distribution of their food would give the most temporary relief,
only, to the multitude, it would impair the efficiency of the band.
The result showed him that, implicit as was the obedience given to
him in all military matters, his influence had its limits; and
that, beyond a certain point, his authority ceased.

Henceforth he remained in the house, except when he went to his
post on the walls immediately adjoining; and he therefore escaped
being harrowed by the sight of sufferings that he could not
relieve. Each day, however, he set apart the half of his own
portion of grain; and gave it to the first starving woman he met,
when he went out. The regulation issue of rations had now ceased.
The granaries were exhausted and, henceforth, Simon's troops lived
entirely upon the food they extorted from the inhabitants.

John of Gischala's followers fared better. Enormous as had been the
destruction of grain, the stores in the Temple were so prodigious
that they were enabled to live in comparative abundance, and so
maintained their strength and fighting power.

But the sufferings of the people increased daily, and great numbers
made their escape from the city--either sallying out from unguarded
posterns, at night; or letting themselves down from the lower part
of the walls, by ropes. Titus allowed them to pass through; but
John of Gischala and Simon, with purposeless cruelty,