ates of the holy house
of that people, where it would seem she was sentenced to perish for some
offence against their barbarous laws. As the clamours of the populace
that day had testified, she was of the most delicate and distinguished
beauty, and the collar of great pearls which she wore about her neck
gave evidence of her rank. If he knew anything of the tastes of his
countrymen the price which would be paid for her must prove a record
even in that ring. He was aware that among the vulgar a great, almost
a divine name had been coupled with that of this captive. Well, he knew
nothing, except this, that he was certain that if there was any truth
in the matter the owner of the name, as became a noble and a generous
nature, would wish to obtain his prize fairly and openly. The bidding
was as free to the humblest there--provided, of course, that he could
pay, and he might remark that not an hour's credit would be given except
to those who were known to him--as to Caesar himself. Now, as the light
was failing, he would order the torches to be lit and commence the sale.
The beauteous Pearl-Maiden, he might add, was Lot No. 7.

So the torches were lit, and presently the first victim was led out and
placed upon a stand of marble in the centre of the flaring ring. She was
a dark-haired child of about sixteen years of age, who stared round her
with a frightened gaze.

The bidding began at five sestertia and ran up to fifteen, or about L120
of our money, at which price she was knocked down to a Greek, who led
her back into the receiving house, paid the gold to a clerk who was in
attendance, and took her away, sobbing as she went. Then followed four
others, who were sold at somewhat better prices. No. 6 was the dark and
splendid Jewess who had kicked the greasy-curled Eastern in the face. As
soon as she appeared upon the block, this brute stepped forward and bid
twenty sestertia for her. An old grey-bearded fellow answered with a bid
of twenty-five. Then some one bid thirty, which the Eastern capped with
a bid of forty. So it went on till the large total of sixty sestertia
was offered, whereon the Eastern advanced two more, at which price,
amidst the laughter of the audience, she was knocked down to him.

"You know me and that the money is safe," he said to the auctioneer. "It
shall be paid to you to-morrow; I have enough to carry without lading
myself up with so much gold. Come on, girl, to your new home, where I
have a little