stations
by altars at the head of the steps, while beneath them, rank upon rank,
gathered all those who had shared their Triumph, each company in its
allotted place. Then followed a long pause, the multitude waiting for
Miriam knew not what. Presently men were seen running from the Forum up
a path that had been left open, one of them carrying in his hand some
object wrapped in a napkin. Arriving in face of the Caesars he threw
aside the cloth and held up before them and in sight of all the people
the grizzly head of Simon, the son of Gioras. By this public murder of
a brave captain of their foes was consummated the Triumph of the Romans,
and at the sight of its red proof trumpets blew, banners waved, and from
half a million throats went up a shout of victory that seemed to rend
the very skies, for the multitude was drunk with the glory of its brutal
vengeance.

Then silence was called, and there before the Temple of Jove the beasts
were slain, and the Caesars offered sacrifice to the gods that had given
them victory.

Thus ended the Triumph of Vespasian and Titus, and with it the record
of the struggle of the Jews against the iron beak and claws of the Roman
Eagle.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SLAVE-RING

Had Miriam chanced to look out of her litter as she passed the Temple
of Isis, escorted by Gallus and the guards before dawn broke upon that
great day of the Triumph, and had there been light to enable her to see,
she might have beheld two figures galloping into Rome as fast as their
weary horses would carry them. Both rode after the fashion of men, but
one of them, wrapped in an Eastern garment that hid the face, was in
fact a woman.

"Fortune favours us, Nehushta," said the man in a strained voice. "At
least, we are in time for the Triumph, who might so easily have been
too late. Look, yonder they gather already by Octavian's Walks," and
he pointed to the companies of soldiers who hurried past them to the
meeting-place.

"Yes, yes, my lord Marcus, we are in time. There go the eagles and
here comes their prey," and in her turn Nehushta pointed to a guarded
litter--had they but known it, the very one that carried the beloved
woman whom they sought. "But whither now? Would you also march in the
train of Titus?"

"Nay, woman, it is too late. Also I know not what would be my welcome."

"Your welcome? Why, you were his friend, and Titus is faithful to his
friends."

"Aye, but perhaps not to those who have been ta