d the most of her crew hired; also a cargo of
such goods as would be salable in Syria was being laid into her hold at
Ostia, the Greek, Hector, giving it out that this was a private venture
of his own and some other merchants. As the man was well known for
a bold trader who had bought and sold in many lands his tale caused
neither wonder nor suspicion, none knowing that the capital was
furnished by the steward of the prisoner Marcus through him who passed
as the master craftsman and contractor Septimus. Indeed, until the after
days Miriam did not know this herself, for it was kept from her by the
special command of Marcus, and if Nehushta guessed the truth she held
her tongue.

Two full months had gone by. Marcus still languished in prison, for
Titus had not yet returned to Rome, but as he learned from Cyril,
Domitian wearied somewhat of his fruitless search for Miriam, although
he still vowed vengeance against the rival who had robbed him. The ship
_Luna_ was laden and ready for sea; indeed, if the wind and weather
were favourable, she was to sail within a week. Gallus and Julia, having
wound up their affairs, had removed to Ostia, whither Miriam was to be
brought secretly on the night of the sailing of the _Luna_. Marcus was
now at heart a Christian, but as yet had refused to accept baptism. Thus
matters stood when Cyril visited the prison bringing with him Miriam's
farewell message to her lover. It was very short.

"Tell Marcus," she said, "that I go because he bids me, and that I know
not whether we shall meet again. Say that perhaps it is best that we
should not meet, since for reasons which he knows, even if he should
still wish it, we may not marry. Say that in life or death I am his, and
his only, and that until my last hour my thought and prayer will be for
him. May he be delivered from all those troubles which, as I fear, I
have brought upon him, through no will of mine. May he forgive me for
them and let my love and gratitude make some amends for all that I have
done amiss."

To this Marcus answered: "Tell Miriam that from my heart I thank her for
her message, and that my desire is that she should be gone from Rome so
soon as may be, since here danger dogs her steps. Tell her that although
it is true that mine has brought me shame and sorrow, still I give her
love for love, and that if I come living from my prison I will follow
her to Tyre and speak further of these matters. If I die, I pray that
good