here I have
during the last ten days privately stored up such articles as would be
necessary for you, and I trust that you will not find yourself
uncomfortable."

Upon entering the apartment, which was some twenty feet square, they
found that the embalmer had not exaggerated what he had done. A table
with several settles stood in the middle; three couches piled with
rushes were placed against the wall. Mats had been laid down to cover
the floor and give warmth to the feet, and lamps ready for burning
stood upon the table. In a corner stood two jars of wine, with
drinking vessels.

"All is here except food," Chigron said. "That I could not prepare
until I knew you were coming; but be assured that you shall be served
regularly. There is no fear of intrusion from any employed in the
establishment. They have no occasion to come out to the back of the
house, and probably few know of the existence of this tomb. Should I
have any ground for believing that there is danger, I will take other
measures for your concealment. Should you need anything, do not
hesitate to say so. I owe my position to the patronage of my lord
Ameres, and there is nothing I would not do to insure the safety of
his son. And now, my lord, I will retire, and will presently send you
by a trusty servant the food of which I have no doubt that you stand
in need."

Chebron said a few words in thanks, but he was too anxious and full of
grief to say more. Directly Chigron had left he turned to Jethro.

"Now, Jethro, tell me all; I am prepared for the worst. My dear father
is no more. Is it not so?"

"It is too true, Chebron," Jethro replied. "Your noble father has been
killed by a base and cowardly mob urged on by some villains of the
priesthood."

Chebron threw himself down on one of the couches and wept bitterly,
while Amuba was almost as deeply affected, for Ameres had behaved to
him with the kindness of a father. It was not until the following
morning that Chebron was sufficiently recovered to ask Jethro to
relate to him the details of his father's death.

"I was in the garden," Jethro began. "Mysa and Ruth were in a boat on
the pond, and I was towing them when I heard a tumult at the gate. I
pulled the boat ashore, and hurried them up to the house and told Mysa
to retire to her apartment, and that she was not to leave it whatever
noise she might hear, that being her father's command. Then I went out
to the gate. Just as I got there it fell in, and