ver, I am aged, and"--here his eyes flashed--"it is a good
end to die fighting one's country's enemies."

"How you Jews do love us to be sure!" said Marcus with a little laugh.

"The nation that sends a Gessius Florus, or even an Albinus, to rule its
alien subjects must needs be loved," replied Benoni with bitter sarcasm.
"But let us be done with politics lest we grow angry. It is strange, but
a visitor has just left me who was brought up among these Essenes."

"Indeed," said Marcus, staring vacantly into the sea.

"He told me that a young and beautiful woman resides with them who is
named the Queen of the Essenes. Did you chance to see her, my lord?"

Instantly Marcus became very wide awake. "Oh, yes, I saw her; and what
else did he tell you?"

"He told me that this lady was both beautiful and learned."

"That is true," said Marcus with enthusiasm. "To my mind, although she
is small, I never saw one lovelier, nor do I know a sculptor who is her
equal. If you will come with me to the ship I will open the case and
show you the bust she made of me. But tell me, did this visitor of yours
lack the forefinger on one hand--his right?"

"He did."

"Then I suppose that he is named Caleb."

"Yes; but how do you know that?"

"Because I cut off his forefinger," said Marcus, "in a fair fight, and,"
he added savagely, "he is a young rascal, as murderous as he is able,
whose life I did ill to spare."

"Ah," said Benoni, "it seems that I have still some discernment, for
just so I judged him. Well, what more do you know of the lady?"

"Something, since in a way I am affianced to her."

"Indeed! Well, this is strange, for so, as he told me, is Caleb."

"He told you that?" said Marcus springing from his chair. "Then he lies,
and would that I had time to prove it on his body! She rejected him; I
have it from Nehushta; also I know it in other ways."

"Then she did accept you, my lord Marcus?"

"Not quite," he replied sadly; "but that was only because I am not a
Christian. She loves me all the same," he added, recovering. "Upon that
point there can be no doubt."

"Caleb seemed to doubt it," suggested Benoni.

"Caleb is a liar," repeated Marcus with emphasis, "and one of whom you
will do well to beware."

"Why should I beware of him?"

Marcus paused a moment, then answered boldly:

"Because the lady Miriam is your granddaughter and the heiress of your
wealth. I say it, since if I did not Caleb would; probably he has