When he looked up, he saw a man standing within a few paces of him and perfunctorily gazing at anything but the display of Laodice's fortune. He was lean, muscular, somewhat younger than forty but already gray at the temples, of nervous temperament, direct of gaze and of attractive presence. He wore a tunic of gray wool bordered with red, and a gray mantle hung negligently from his shoulders. Limbs and arms were bare and his head-covering of red wool hung from his arm. Costobarus, a little discomfited that he had been surprised with Laodice's dowry exposed, spoke briskly. "Well, Aquila? Prepared?" "Everything is in order. I am ready to proceed at once." "How many in your party?" "But myself." "Have you ever been to Jerusalem?" "Never." "How, then," Costobarus asked, with a keen look, "came Philadelphus to appoint you to conduct Laodice to the city?" "His retinue is small; he could not come himself, and he chose me as safer than the other member of his party," was the direct reply. Costobarus studied this reply before he questioned his son-in-law's courier further. "Jerusalem, they say, is in disorder. How will you get my daughter to shelter when you have reached the city?" "Philadelphus hath instructed me that there will be a Greek at the Sun Gate daily, awaiting us. He will wear a purple turban embroidered with a golden star. He will conduct us to the house of Amaryllis the Seleucid, who is pledged to the Maccabee's cause. Philadelphus will be in her house." "Why hers?" Costobarus persisted. "Because it is the only secure house in Jerusalem. She stands in the good graces of John of Gischala and she is safe." Costobarus ruminated. "There is too much detail; too many people to depend upon and therefore too many who may fail you. Aquila!" "Sir?" "I am going to Jerusalem with you." He turned without waiting to see the effect of this speech upon the Maccabee's courier and clapped his hands for an attendant. To the servitor who responded he said: "Send hither our party. It is time. Bring me my cloak." He looked then suddenly at Aquila. The Roman's face had cleared of its astonishment and discomfiture. "Well enough," the courier said bluntly and closed his lips. The servitor reappeared with his master's cloak and kerchief. After him came Keturah, the handmaiden, and Hiram, a camel-driver, prepared for a journey. The mute Momus presently appeared. Costobarus got into his cloak without help, made inquiry for this detail and that of his business and of his journey, gave instruction to his attendants, and then asked for Laodice. There was a moment of silence more distressed than embarrassed. Momus dropped his eyes; Keturah looked at her master with moving lips and sudden flushing of color, as if she were on the point of tears. Aquila stared absently out of the arch beyond.