“I heard that he had departed from Alexandria on his road to Rome.” “Miriam will walk in his Triumph, and afterwards be sold as a slave! Woman, there is no time to lose,” said Marcus. “None,” answered Nehushta; “still, there is time to thank this faithful messenger.” “Ay,” said Marcus. “Man, what reward do you seek? Whatever it be it shall be paid to you who have endured so much. Yes, it shall be paid, though here and now I have no money.” “I seek no reward,” replied the Essene, “who have but fulfilled my promise and done my duty.” “Yet Heaven shall reward you,” said Nehushta. “And now let us hence to Ithiel.” Back they went swiftly to the caves that were occupied by the Essenes during the rebuilding of their houses. In a little cabin that was open to the air lay Ithiel. The old man was on his death-bed, for age, hardship, and anxiety had done their work with him, so that now he was unable to stand, but reclined upon a pallet awaiting his release. To him they told their story. “God is merciful,” he said, when he had heard it. “I feared that she might be dead, for in the presence of so much desolation, my faith grows weak.” “It may be so,” answered Marcus, “but your merciful God will allow this maiden to be set up in the Forum at Rome and sold to the highest bidder. It would have been better that she perished on the gate Nicanor.” “Perhaps this same God,” answered Ithiel with a faint smile, “will deliver her from that fate, as He has delivered her from many others. Now what do you seek, my lord Marcus?” “I seek liberty, which hitherto you have refused to me, Ithiel. I must travel to Rome as fast as ships and horses can carry me. I desire to be present at that auction of the captives. At least, I am rich and can purchase Miriam—unless I am too late.” “Purchase her to be your slave?” “Nay, to be my wife.” “She will not marry you; you are not a Christian.” “Then, if she asks it, to set her free. Man, would it not be better that she should fall into my hands than into those of the first passer-by who chances to take a fancy to her face?” “Yes, I think it is better,” answered Ithiel, “though who am I that I should judge? Let the Court be summoned and at once. This matter must be laid before them. If you should purchase her and she desires it, do you promise that you will set her free?” “I promise it.” Ithiel looked at him strangely and said: “Good, but in the hour of temptation, if it should come, see that you do not forget your word.”