e
party were Syrians or Hebrews.

"We are quiet travellers," said the Athenian; "let us pursue our
journey in peace. If gold be your object, I will give it."

"If we want your gold we can take it," cried the leader of the band
that now surrounded the litter. "Are you a follower of Antiochus
Epiphanes?"

"No," replied Lycidas boldly. To speak the simple truth is ever the
manliest, and in this instance it also proved the safest course to
pursue. The grasp on the Greek's bridle was relaxed, the point of the
weapon was lowered, and in a more courteous tone the leader inquired,
"Are you then a friend of Judas Maccabeus?"

"May he be given the necks of his enemies!" exclaimed Joab, before
Lycidas had time to reply. "It is his kinswoman whom we are taking in
this litter to Bethsura, that we may put her in safety out of reach of
the tyrant who has sworn to slay her because she will not burn incense
to his idol!"

"What, the lady Hadassah?" asked one of the men.

"No, it is more than six months since that Mother in Israel departed to
Abraham's bosom," replied Joab, lowering his tone.

An exclamation of regret burst from more than one of those who
surrounded the litter, and he who had first spoken observed, "These
will be sorry tidings for Maccabeus and his brethren."

Lycidas now addressed a Hebrew who appeared to be of superior condition
to the others. "In this litter," he said, "is the grand-daughter of
the lady Hadassah. She is fleeing from persecution, and seeks an
asylum in the home of an aged relative who dwells near Bethsura."

"Ah! Rachel the widow; we know her well," was the reply.

"Then you can guide this lady to her abode."

"Guide her into the wolf's den!" exclaimed the Hebrew; and one of his
companions added with a laugh, "The only way to reach Rachel's dwelling
from hence is over the corpses of defeated Syrians, as mayhap we shall
do ere to-morrow."

Alarmed at finding that he had conducted Zarah to the scene of an
expected deadly conflict, Lycidas inquired with anxiety, "Where then
can the lady and her attendant find shelter and protection?"

"For protection, she has all that our swords can give--our fate must be
her fate," replied the Hebrew whom the Greek had addressed. "As for
shelter, there is a goatherd's hut hard by. Some of our men have
passed the night there, though our leader slept on the ground."

There was some whispering amongst the Hebrews, and Lycidas caught the
words, ut