something, and so do the rest
of the lads, who are mad at the stopping of the games."

"It would be much better to get that key from Amram and have a look
upstairs," put in number two soldier reflectively.

"Then go to Amram, or to Pluto, and ask for the key of Hades for aught
I care!" replied his superior with irritation. "He lives about a league
off at the other end of the town."

"I do not wish for the walk," said the conscientious soldier; "but as we
are searching for these escaped Christians, by your leave, I do think it
would have been much better to have got that key from Amram and peeped
into the chamber upstairs."

Thereon the temper of the officer, already ruffled by the events of
the morning and the long watch of the preceding night, gave way, and he
departed, consigning the Christians, escaped or recaptured, Amram and
the key, his subordinate, and even the royal Agrippa who did not pay
his debts, to every infernal god of every religion with which he was
acquainted.

Nehushta lifted her head from the floor.

"Thanks be to God! They are gone," she said.

"But, Nou, will they not come back? Oh! I fear lest they should come
back."

"I think not. That sharp-nosed rat has made the other angry, and I
believe that he will find him some harder task than the seeking of a key
from Amram. Still, there is danger that this Amram may appear himself to
visit his store, for in these days of festival he is sure to be selling
grain to the bakers."

Scarcely were the words out of her mouth when a key rattled, the door
was pushed sharply, and the piece of wood slipped and fell. Then the
hinges creaked, and Amram--none other--entered, and, closing the door
behind him, locked it, leaving the key in the lock.

Amram was a shrewd-faced, middle-aged Phoenician and, like most
Phoenicians of that day, a successful trader, this corn-store
representing only one branch of his business. For the rest he was clad
in a quiet-coloured robe and cap, and to all appearance unarmed.

Having locked the door, he walked to a little table, beneath which stood
a box containing his tablets whereon were entered the amounts of corn
bought and delivered, to come face to face with Nehushta. Instantly she
slid between him and the door.

"Who in the name of Moloch are you?" he asked, stepping back astonished,
to perceive as he did so, Rachel seated on the heap of sacks; "and you,"
he added. "Are you spirits, thieves, ladies in search of a lodg