Overhead hung a dark-blue firmament sparkling with stars, by whose light the nearer hills that “stand round about Jerusalem” were clearly visible; beyond them, appearing far off on the horizon, was the mount known from old time as Beth-haccerem, whose conspicuous peak had marked it as a suitable station for signaling tidings to Jerusalem by that primitive mode of telegraph, the beacon-fire. Eleazar’s eyes were set upon Beth-haccerem, and Simon, following his companion’s gaze, was surprised to see a light springing into being upon the dark summit of the distant peak. No evanescent flash, but a light that continued to sparkle and glow; evidently a signal, the meaning of which was known to the priest, if one must judge by the satisfaction that gleamed from his dark countenance. “Sooner than I durst hope,” he murmured. “The impregnable fortress has fallen.” “_Masada?_” gasped Simon with a mingled feeling of amazement and jealousy. “So is yon light to be interpreted,” replied Eleazar. “The armory of Masada is now in our hands, and to-morrow a train of wagons will come rolling towards Jerusalem laden with weapons for the people.” “How will your father and the Sanhedrim take this deed of yours?” “Leave me to deal with them,” replied Eleazar with a hard smile. On the next day a meeting of the Sanhedrim was convened by Matthias, the high priest, for the purpose of considering the course to be observed by that body, should the common people persist in their outspoken determination to take up arms against the Romans. At this gathering--held in the temple within the walls of the famous _Lishcath Ha-Gazith_ or Hall of Squares, so named from its checkered pavement--Eleazar came out with a new and startling proposition, upon which he desired a vote should be taken. “It hath been the custom in our temple since the days of Herod,” said he, “to offer daily a sacrifice for the safety and welfare of the reigning Cæsar. But why should we pray for our enemy? why pray for an uncircumcized heathen? why pray for Nero, who in claiming Divine honors insults the name of the Most High? In praying that the life of this blasphemer may be prolonged, what are we doing but praying for the continuance of blasphemy? Brethren and fathers, this must not be. My voice is that from to-day the sacrifice for Cæsar shall cease.” As soon as Eleazar had resumed his seat, Ananias rose to oppose the daring innovation propounded by his son. “However agreeable this proposal may be to our secret inclination,” said he, “the question for us is, in what light would Nero regard it, for it will not escape his knowledge. He would take it as an affront--nay, more, as a declaration of war.” “Let him take it as such,” said Eleazar, boldly. “Now you reveal your true aim,” answered Ananias, “which is to act as a mover of sedition. You would have the Sanhedrim declare war against Rome.”