strong many of the principal Jews in
Tyre, to the number of over a hundred indeed, had flocked into Benoni's
palace-fortress, together with their wives and children, since there
was no other place in their power in the town which could be so easily
defended. Lastly, in the outer courts and galleries were stationed fifty
or more faithful servants and slaves who understood the use of arms.

Thus things remained, the Syrians threatening them through the gates or
from the windows of high houses, and no more, till one night Miriam was
awakened by a dreadful sound of screaming. She sprang from her bed and
instantly Nehushta was at her side.

"What happens?" she gasped as she dressed herself hastily.

"Those Syrian dogs attack the Jews," answered Nehushta, "on the mainland
and in the lower city. Come to the roof, whence we can see what passes,"
and hand in hand they ran to the sea-portico and up its steep steps.

The dawn was just breaking, but looking from the walled roof they had
no need of its light, since everywhere in the dim city below and in
Palaetyrus on the mainland, houses flared like gigantic torches. In their
red glare they could see the thousands of the attackers dragging out
their inmates to death, or thrusting them back into the flames, while
the night was made horrible with the shouts of the maddened mob, the
cries of the victims and the crackling roar of burning houses.

"Oh! Christ have mercy on them," sobbed Miriam.

"Why should He?" asked Nehushta. "They slew Him and rejected Him;
now they pay the price He prophesied. May He have mercy on us, His
servants."

"He would not have spoken thus," said Miriam indignantly.

"Nay, but justice speaks. Those who take the sword shall perish by the
sword. Even so have these Jews done to the Greeks and Syrians in many of
the cities--they who are blind and mad. Now it is their hour, and mayhap
ours. Come, lady, these are no sights for you, though you might do well
to learn to bear them, since if you escape you may see many such.
Come, and if you wish we will pray for these Jews, especially for their
children, who are innocent, and for ourselves."

That day at noon, most of the poorer and least protected Jews of
the city having been killed, the Syrians began their attack upon the
fortified palace of Benoni. Now it was that the defenders learned that
they had to deal with no mere rabble, but with savage hordes, many
thousands strong, directed by officers skilled i