at was the surprise of the Roman and Jewish authorities, in
Hippos, when John produced the imperial commission. There was,
however, no doubting or disputing it. The Roman officers at once
placed themselves under his orders, and issued proclamations of
their own, in addition to that of John, notifying the fact to all
the inhabitants of the district.

Among the Jewish authorities there was, at first, some feeling of
jealousy that this young man should be placed over them; but they
felt, nevertheless, the great benefits that would arise from the
protection which one of their own countrymen, high in the favour of
Titus, would be able to afford them. When showing his commission,
John had also produced the letter of Titus, giving his reasons for
the nomination; and indeed, the younger men in the district, many
of whom had followed John in his first campaigns--and who had
hitherto, in accordance with the oath of secrecy taken on
enrollment, concealed their knowledge that John of Gamala was the
son of Simon--now proclaimed the fact, and hailed his appointment
with joy.

On the appointed day, the marriage of John and Mary took place and,
as the news had spread through the country, a vast gathering
assembled, and it was made the occasion of a public demonstration.
The preparations which Martha and Mary had made for the feast,
ample as they had been, would have availed but little among such a
multitude; but Isaac and the menservants drove in and slaughtered
several cattle and, as those who came for the most part bore
presents of wine, oil, bread, goats, and other articles, and the
neighbours lent their assistance in preparing a feast at the great
fires which were lighted along the shore, while Simon contributed
all the contents of his wine store, the feast proved ample for all
assembled.

John and his wife moved among the throng, receiving congratulations
and good wishes; Mary blushing, and tearful with happiness and
pride in the honour paid to John; John himself radiant with
pleasure, and with satisfaction at the thought of the good which
the power, so strangely conferred upon him, would enable him to
effect for his neighbours.

After that, things went on in their ordinary routine at the farm;
save that John was frequently away visiting among the villages of
the district, which was some thirty miles long by ten wide. The
northern portion was thinly inhabited; but in the south the
villages were thick, and the people had suf