“In my pocket,” answered Marcus; “that which I showed you was but a copy. Nay, do not ring, do not touch that bell. See this,” and he drew a silver whistle from his robe. “Outside your gate stand fifty soldiers. Shall I sound it?” “Not so,” answered Benoni. “I will swear the oath, though indeed it is needless. Why should you suppose that I could wish to force this maid into any marriage, or to work her evil on account of matters of her faith?” “Because you are a Jew and a bigot. You gave her father and her mother to a cruel death, why should you spare her? Also you hate me and all my people; why, then, should you not favour my rival, although he is a murderer whose life I have twice spared at the prayer of Miriam? Swear now.” So Benoni lifted his hand and swore a solemn oath that he would not force his granddaughter, Miriam, to marry Caleb, or any other man; and that he would not betray the secret of her faith, or persecute her because of it. “It is not enough,” said Marcus. “Write it down and sign.” So Benoni went to the table and wrote out his undertaking and signed it, Marcus signing also as a witness. “Now, Benoni,” he said, as he took the paper, “listen to me. That warrant leaves your taking to my discretion, after I have made search into the facts. I have made such search and it seems that I am not satisfied. But remember that the warrant is still alive and can be executed at any moment. Remember also that you are watched and if you lift a finger against the girl, it will be put in force. For the rest—if you desire that the prophecy of the Essene should not come true, it is my advice that you cease from making plots against the majesty of Cæsar. Now bid your servant summon him who waits in the antechamber, that he may discharge my debt. And so farewell. When and where we shall meet again I do not know, but be sure that we shall meet.” Then Marcus left the portico. Benoni watched him go, and as he watched, an evil look gathered on his face. “Threatened. Trodden to the dirt. Outwitted by that Roman boy,” he murmured. “Is there any cup of shame left for me to drink? Who is the traitor and how much does he know? Something, but not all, else my arrest could scarcely have been left to the fancy of this patrician, favourite though he be. Yes, my lord Marcus, I too am sure that we shall meet again, but the fashion of that meeting may be little to your taste. You have had your hour, mine is to come. For the rest, I must keep my oath, since to break it would be too dangerous, and might cut the hair that holds the sword. Also, why should I wish to harm the girl, or to wed her to this rogue Caleb, than whom, mayhap, even the Roman would be better? At least he is a man who does not cheat or lie. Indeed, I long to see the maid. I will go at once to Jordan.” Then he sounded his bell and commanded that the servant of the lord Marcus should be admitted. CHAPTER XI THE ESSENES LOSE THEIR QUEEN