I require that you should trust Him who hath said, _Thou shalt do no
murder_; who hath ordained that _whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man
shall his blood be shed_. We show little faith when we think to find
safety in transgressing the law of our God."

Again rose a fierce, angry murmur. Lycidas heard the words, "folly,
madness, tempting Providence," mingled with imprecations on "dogs of
heathen," "idolaters," "the polluted, the worshippers of graven images."

Judas laid hold on his javelin, which he had placed against the trunk
of the olive when he had exchanged the weapon for the spade. The heart
of Lycidas throbbed faster, he read his own death-warrant in the
movement, but he braced his spirit to fall bravely, as became a
fellow-citizen of Miltiades. Again there was profound silence, all
awaiting what should follow that simple action of the leader.

"Time passes, every minute that we linger here is fraught with peril,
our decision must be prompt," said Judas, and he motioned to Hadassah
and Zarah to join the company of men on the side of the grave nearest
to the stem of the tree. When they had done so, the son of Mattathias
cast his javelin down on the ground. "Let those who would let the
captive go free, those who would trust his gratitude and honour, pass
over my javelin," cried Judas. "If the greater number cross it, we
spare; if they remain here, we slay. Are you content?" he inquired.

There was a murmured "Content" from most of those present. The chief
then turned his glance on Lycidas, and with stern courtesy repeated his
question to the Greek. The young captive bowed his head, folded his
arms, and answered "Content."

"The women shall not vote!" exclaimed Abishai. "They shall vote," said
the chief, with decision; "their peril is equal to ours, and so shall
their privilege be."

It was with strangely mingled emotions that Lycidas beheld, as it were,
the balance raised, one of the scales of which was weighted with his
freedom and life! Fear was scarcely the predominating feeling. A
cloud for a few moments darkened the face of the moon, but through the
shadow he could see the stately dark figure of Hadassah as she crossed
over the javelin, and the flutter of Zarah's white veil. As the silver
orb emerged from the cloud, the women were followed by the two Hebrews
who had once been servants to Hadassah.

"Four on that side--five on this--he dies!" cried Abishai eagerly; but
even as the exclamatio