here they are but feathers puffed up by
the breath of Caesar, to fall if he cease to blow. But look!"

As he spoke, a figure appeared upon the steps of the palace who made
some communication to the crowd, whereon a great wail went up to the
very skies.

"You have your wish," said Amram; "Herod is dead or dying, and now,
I suppose, as his son is but a child, that we shall be ruled by some
accursed thief of a Roman procurator with a pocket like a sack without a
bottom. Surely that old bishop of yours who preached in the amphitheatre
this morning, must have had a hint of what was coming, from his familiar
spirit; or perhaps he saw the owl and guessed its errand. Moreover, I
think that troubles are brewing for others besides Herod, since the old
man said as much.

"What became of him and the rest?" asked Nehushta.

"Oh! a few were trampled to death, and others the Jews stirred up the
mob to stone, saying that they had bewitched the king, which they, who
were disappointed of the games, did gladly. Some, however, are said to
have escaped, and, like yourselves, lie in hiding."

Nehushta glanced at her mistress, now fast asleep, her pale face resting
on her arm.

"The world is hard--for Christians," she said.

"Friend, it is hard for all, as, were I to tell you my own story, even
you would admit," and he sighed. "At least you Christians believe in
something beyond," he went on; "for you death is but a bridge leading to
a glorious city, and I trust that you may be right. Is not your mistress
delicate?"

Nehushta nodded.

"She was never very strong, and sorrow has done its work with her. They
killed her husband at Berytus yonder, and--her trouble is very near."

"Yes, yes, I heard that story, also that his blood is on the hands
of her own father, Benoni. Ah! who is so cruel as a bigot Jew? Not
we Phoenicians even, of whom they say such evil. Once I had a
daughter"--here his hard face softened--"but let be, let be! Look you,
the risk is great, but what I can do I will do to save her, and you
also, friend, since, Libyan or no, you are a faithful woman. Nay, do not
doubt me. I have given my word, and if I break it willingly, then may I
perish and be devoured of dogs. My ship is small and undecked. In that
she shall not sail, but a big galley weighs for Alexandria to-night,
calling at Apollonia and Joppa, and in it I will take you passages,
saying that the lady is a relative of mine and that you are her slave.
This is my