THE LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS
TH,g OLD -*&*»
B E B E K AH
A TALE OF THREE CITIES
BY
M. P. JONES
NEW YORK
JOHN B. ALDEN, PUBLISHED
1890
LIBRARY
DIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS
Copyright, 1889,
BY
M. P. JONES.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER. PAGE.
I. Home Again, .... 5
II. Faith and Unbelief, 12
III. The Soldier and the Apostle, - 18
IV. Rome in Flames, - - 23 V. Seeking a Place of Refuge, - - 31
VI. Similarity and Dissimilarity, - - - 38
VII. Plotting and Counterplotting, 45
VIII. The Sand-pits, - 53
IX. Friend and Foe, 61
X. " Out of Darkness Into Light," - - 69
XI. An Unexpected Delay, - - 80
XII. The Voyage, - - 87
XIII. A Smouldering Fire, - - 97
XIV. The Outburst of the Flame, - - - 103 XV. Alarm and Flight, - - 109
XVI. In the Hospital, - - 116
XVII. Wounded in the House of a Friend, - 122
XVIII. " Wars and Rumors of Wars," - - 130
XIX. Evil Tidings, 137
XX. A House Divided against Itself, - - 142
XXI. A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, - 149
XXII. An Unexpected Visit, - - 156
XXIII. Treachery, - - 162
XXIV. Fanaticism, - 170 XXV. " Fightings and Fears Within, Without," - 177
XXVI. A Surprise, - 186
XXVII. Unfavorable Developments, 191
XXVIII. Force Triumphs over Resistance, 199
XXIX. A Review, - 208
XXX. Conflicting Opinions, - - 216
XXXI. Fiends in the Guise of Men, 221
XXXII. An Unwelcome Suitor, - - 229
XXXIII. The Harvest of Death, 236
XXXIV. A Conspiracy, - - 243 XXXV. The Harvest of Death Increases, - 249
XXXVI. A Daring Adventure, - - 25G
XXXVII. The Daily Sacrifice Ceases, 263
XXXVIII. Unfruitful Attacks, - - 268
XXXIX. Fiends Again at Large, 274
XL. The Glory of Israel is Departed,
XLI. The Abomination of Desolation, - 289
XLII. A Final Attempt, 297
XLIII. After Sorrow Comes Joy, - 305
XLIV. The Triumph, 312
REBEKAH:
A TALE OF THEEE CITIES. CHAPTER I.
HOME AGAIN.
"So at last my curiosity is satisfied. Is it not strange that I have not met him before, since he calls to see my uncle so often ? "
" Had thy uncle spoken so freely of thee to him as he has of him to thee, thy curiosity would have been satisfied long ago. But it will indeed be strange, my child, if thou see him not more frequently in the future than thou hast in the past."
" It will not be more so than thy words are to me, Hagar. What dost thou mean ? "
" Ha, ha, nothing ; only that men sometimes help Providence to make opportunities to meet those they — they wish to see."
" Thou art a Philistine, Hagar. Why should he be more anxious to see me than thee ? "
" When men behold the sun, do they wish to see the moon ? "
This conversation took place as the speakers de scended a stairway that led down to the Circus Max- imus from the summit of the Palatine, which the reed-thatched cottage of Romulus marked as the birth place of Rome, and which was crowned with the temple of Apollo, the palaces of Caligula and Nero,
6 Eebekah.
and many other beautiful but less costly structures. From their elevated position, the Aventine Hill, the Tiber, and the region beyond were exposed to their view. Were they facing in a north-westerly instead of a south-westerly direction, the Capitoline Hill with its magnificent temples and stately edifices would ap- pear before Minn in nil its matchless splendor. What they saw evidently did not interest them, for the sub ject upon which they talked was altogether foreign to it. As they reached the foot of the hill, the younger of the two remarked —
" Surely, Hagar, thou hast not been in Rome all these years without knowing all about the Praetorian guards?"
"Why should a daughter of Egypt trouble herself with the affairs of these proud sons of Mars? The household affairs of Herodion the son of Klea/.ar af ford me enough food for reflection ; and 1 fear that if I should feed my mind upon other matters, thou and thy father would starve for want of food of another sort."
" Ha, ha ! that indeed would be a high price to pay for information; but as it is not, yet, time for supper, I may willi safety tell thee what I have learned coucern- ing the guards to which tin- centurion belongs. The three cohorts that are stationed in the IVa-torium on Hie Palatine, as thou knowest, constitute the imperial guards, and have been selected from the IVjetorian Bandft that are encamped in that fortified place out side the north-east wall of the city. These hands, I have been told, were organi/ed by Augustus, and are; distinguished by double pay and superior privileges. It is rumored also that the high esteem in which they are held by ( .jesar lias fostered their pride to the de- ."iv. • that, they consider the Senate, the public, treasury, and the imperial palace itself in their power."
"The rumor then must be true, for they are an in solent, horde, and their unholy ga/,e and insulting re marks stir my soul into rebellion whenever I meet them."
Home Again. 1
" They are not all insolent, Hagar ; surely thou has not yet forgotten fehe courteous manner of the centurion. There is at least one of the Praetorian guards who is not spoiled by pride."
" Thine uncle says that Satan sometimes appears as an angel of light."
" True ; but my uncle, as thy ears can testify, has nothing but praise for the centurion. Besides, we would not have had the pleasure of meeting him to-day if he were proud or unkind. Haughty Romans are not accustomed to associate with a Jewish pris oner, especially if he be a Christian Jew. Thou art prejudiced, Hagar; because brass is more abun dant than gold, thou wouldst have me believe that there is no gold."
" Hadst thou, O daughter of Herodion, seen as much brass in the faces of these worthless fellows as I have, thou wouldst not expect to find much gold in their hearts."
They had now passed the Circus and were just entering a narrow street that led up the northern slope of the Aventine Hill. On reaching the sum mit they came to a brick structure built after the style of the residences of the most prosperous classes at Jerusalem. Opening a small door, which, with the exception of two windows, high up and lat ticed, was the only aperture in that side of the house, they passed through a long passage into a court-yard which was bounded on the north and east by the angled parts of the two-storied structure in which they lived, and on the south and west by high walls. As the lower story as well as the eastern part of the court-yard was devoted to domestic ani mals and the common employments of the family, the two women proceeded to the other part of the court-yard, which was set with shrubbery and vines, whose beauty and freshness were mainly due to the cool sprays of a small fountain of exquisite design. Lingering a moment to pluck a beautiful rose, the younger woman led the way up a broad stairway to
8 Relekah.
a veranda over which a great awning was stretched as a protection from the sun, and disappeared into the upper story, which was arched over the rooms and passage-ways of the lower in the approved style of the period. When she reappeared on the veranda, a little later, she ascended with a light step to the house-top and threw herself upon a divan in a tent between the battlements in the north-east angle of the roof. The tent was divided into two apartments, one of which commanded a full view of the Palatine. It was this apartment that was now occupied by the young woman. As her eyes had a far-away look in them she was evidently already lost in thought. She could not have seen more than seventeen sum mers, yet she was in the prime of female charms. Her hair was brown, and, parted on the right, was combed so as to conceal the left half of a fair, intellec tual forehead. Her eyes were large and brown, and her straight, finely-outlined nose vied with lips of exquisite beauty. A footstep on the roof at length aroused her, and springing to her feet, she revealed a tall, graceful form clad in a light robe, gathered loosely around the waist, and reaching to the floor.
"Peace be to thee, my dear father," she exclaimed, and while her heart bounded with joy and her face glowed with pleasure, she ran to meet the person addressed, and kissed him.
He returned her salutation, adding, " Thy ardor reminds me of Jephthah's daughter, my child."
" But thou wilt not, like Jephthah, cause the ar dor of thy daughter to die on the altar of rash vows," she confidently replied, as her father seated himself on a divan opposite her own.
The man who was thus honored with a seat in her apartment was in the meridian of life, of medium height, with features of the Jewish type. He was clad in a robe of fine linen gathered around the waist by a girdle of silk. The robe from the girdle upward was open in front, revealing a highly em broidered tunic. His head was covered with a red
Home Again. D
woolen cap, from the crown of which hung a blue tassel. He was a dealer in costumes, having a large establishment in both Rome and Csesarea. His name was Herodion, the son of Eleazar. His wife, the mother of his only child, Rebekah, was dead.
Having seen her father seated, Rebekah resumed her former place, and fixing an admiring look on his face, asked, " Has the Lord made thy journey pros perous, father ? "
" Thy Saviour and mine, Rebekah, never forgets His faithful followers. Thou rememberest His words, 4 Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His right eousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you.' My soul can truly testify to the literal fulfill ment of His words. But," said he, recalling himself from the train of thought he was pursuing, "how has my daughter borne the long absence of her father?"
" I fear that thy daughter's conduct has not been worthy of thee," she said, coloring slightly. " Thou knowest that the heart does not take kindly to the absence of loved ones, and listens with difficulty to the voice of reason. The weeks that thou hast been gone have seemed months to me. My impatience for thy return has greatly increased the burden of Hagar's care."
" Thou hast at least one virtue still left, my child," he said smiling, " thou hast courage to confess thy sins. But, surely, thou didst not become so com pletely absorbed in thy longing for my return that thou didst neglect thy religious duties."
" Although living in Rome, thy daughter is less a heathen than a foolish child. The Palatine has often seen Hagar and myself during thy absence, and my thoughts have wandered there still more frequently. My thoughts were there when thou didst return ; and they hastened back only at the sound of thy footstep."- Then, heaving a sigh, she continued : " It pierces my heart to think how long my uncle has been in bonds, and yet how patiently he has borne them. Nay, he glories in his bonds."
10
" Paul," said Herodion, changing from a reclining to an erect posture, " is a true brother of thy sainted mother, and not less true a follower of the Christ. Our father Joseph did not bear his imprisonment in Egypt more heroically than he has borne his fetters in Rome; nor shall his fetters remain unbroken long."
"What ground hast thou for thy opinion, father?" eagerly asked Rebekah.
" I will tell thee. The ship in which I sailed from Csesarea carried among others the emissaries and witnesses for whose arrival the trial of thy uncle has so long been delayed. With them was one Ter- tullus, a Roman orator, the same, I was told, who accused Paul before Felix. Their souls are full of bitterness. Their fanaticism exceeds that of thy uncle before he saw the glory of the Lord. They thirst for his blood as the hart does for living water."
" But," interrupted Rebekah, growing pale, " thou dost not think that the Judge of all the earth will permit malice to prevail over righteousness ! "
" Be not alarmed, my child," the father continued, with a gesture. "These men, like ourselves, are Jews, but, unlike ourselves, they have not submitted to the yoke of the Christ. The madness which caused their fathers to cry, ' Away with him ; crucify him,' has taken possession of them. Nor are they without influence in Csesar's house. Jezebel was no more the foul instrument of the prophets of Baal than Poppeea is of our faithless countrymen. But the God of Elijah is the God and Father of our Blessed Lord. He confounded His enemies on Mount Carmel ; He can do so in Nero's court. His arm is not shortened that He cannot save. He reigns ; kings are not beyond His power."
Herodion uttered these last words with a tone and spirit worthy of Elijah, and Rebekah after re garding him in silence for a moment, inquired.
" Knowest thou the time of the trial? "
ITome Again. 11
" Csesar appoints the time ; I am ignorant of his will. But—"
Here he was interrupted by a voice calling at the head of the stairway.
"Dost thou call us to supper, my Hagar?" Her- odion asked.
" The son of Eleazar need not, like David, go to a priest to beg for 4 hallowed bread ' to satisfy his hunger ; nor like my namesake of old despair because his child is in need of drink,'' was the reply.
" Thou art a true daughter of Egypt, my Hagar," said Herodion as he and Rebekah descended to the veranda. " But because thy origin is like that of our father Abraham's bond-servant, thou must not like her flee to the wilderness."
" Thy handmaiden has no Sarah with whom to quarrel, and only a Rebekah of whom to be jealous," answered the Egyptian.
" Ha, ha ! I knew that thou wouldst change thy mind. But thou must not let thy jealousy lead thee to forbidden ground," said Rebekah.
A doorway in the side facing the west admitted them now into a large room called the triclinium, in the centre of which stood a table surrounded on three sides with raised divans forming a hollow square. Each divan was provided with an embroidered cush ion. The place of honor at the upper end of the right side was taken by Herodion, and the next by Rebekah, each reclining on the left elbow. Accord ing to Jewish usage water was brought in which their hands were washed preparatory to eating. This duty performed, and the divine blessing asked, the father and daughter partook of the chief meal of the day, which consisted of soup, rice, beans, and burgall.
Supper over, Herodion and Rebekah returned to the roof, where in the hot season they spent the night. As they left the table Hagar stood admiring the grace ful form of her mistress, while the light of the chan delier which hung from the ceiling revealed her own dark features, and told of forty years of life. The
12 fiebekah.
cheap earrings which adorned her ears were in perfect harmony with the linen frock and white turban which covered her person. Although a slave, she looked quite cheerful, and seemed to be entirely satisfied with her condition.
CHAPTER II.
FAITH AND UNBELIEF.
THE startling peals of a trumpet pierced the morn ing air, and Rebekah awoke with a start in time to see a squad of ten soldiers under the command of a decurion marching out of the Prsetorium in the di rection of the cluster of buildings standing at the south-west end of Nero's palace. They wore the Roman uniform : an open helmet with a lofty crest, a coat of mail, greaves, and sandals. Each of them carried a ponderous javelin about six feet in length, ending in a triangular point of steel measuring eigh teen inches, while a short, two-edged sword hung at his side. The buckler and light spear, not regarded necessary on th>s occasion, were left in the Prsetorium. Their bold, erect bearing, and firm, regular step told of years of discipline and service.
Stopping at a one-story house with a columned front, the decurion, accompanied by one of the pri vates, gave a heavy knock at the door, which imme diately opened to receive them. The room which they entered was spacious, and provided with seats for at least a hundred people. At the other end of this room was another door, leading into a suite of two rooms devoted to private use. As the decurion entered the seated apartment he was greeted with the salutation, " Peace be unto thee, O my Quintus," and confronted by two men coupled together with a chain, One end of which was fastened to the right wrist of the smaller, and the other to the left wrist of the
Faith and Unbelief. 13
larger man. The latter was heavily and strongly built, and his armor and bearing declared him a Roman soldier. The somewhat diminutive stature of the former compared unfavorably with that of his guard ; but his well-developed head and expressive features admitted of no comparison. His costume, like his face, pronounced him a Jew of no mean rank. He was none less than Paul the Apostle.
As the guards were being changed, Quintus the decurion reverently remarked, "Thy God, O my worthy prisoner, has made me the bearer of good news to thee."
" Although I have long since learned, in whatso ever state I am, therewith to be content," Paul promptly replied, "yet is the bearer of good news always welcome here. Of what purport are thy words, my Quintus ? "
" Yesterday thine accusers arrived from Jerusalem ; and Csesar, after consulting with them, has pleased to appoint the fifth day hence as the time of thy trial," the decurion explained.
" While my bonds have been blessed to the further ance of the gospel, as thine own soul can testify, yet do I gladly welcome thy message, knowing that if it be God's will to have me set at liberty, I shall be able to visit and strengthen my weak brethren in Asia and Spain ; and if I be condemned, I shall depart and be with Christ, which is far better."
A smile of sweet resignation lingered on his care worn face as he uttered these words.
" May the Lord whom thou hast taught me to know and love, grant thee thy liberty," said Quintus, as he and the relieved soldier turned to leave.
" And may the God of love and peace go with thee, my son," was Paul's benediction.
The time thus spent in effecting the exchange was short, the rest of the soldiers in the meantime simnd- ing outside. When the decurion rejoined them the relieved guard took his position in the rear, and the march was resumed. Various other buildings in
14 Rebekah.
which a certain class of offenders were held in custody were visited, and all the guards were disposed of in the manner just described.
On his return, the decurion led his band of relieved soldiers towards a high wall which formed a quad rangle mounted at regular intervals with towers. Then passing through a gate in the side facing the Circus Maximus, they approached a network of build ings surrounded by a hollow square, and connected by vast colonnades. Following the principal passage, which, like the Via Principalis in larger camps, di vided the official quarters, the forum, and the quses- torium from the quarters of the cohorts, they turned to the left, and entered a passage lined with two- storied structures, and intersected at regular points by other passages. Here they disbanded, and Quintus went to report to his centurion. When he returned to his quarters he was accosted by another decurion, who was leaning lazily against a huge column. The subject introduced was far from pleasant to him, but the other persistently urged it upon him.
" Come, my Quintus, come," said he in a pleading voice ; " let the rattle of the tesserae lend fire to thy spirit as of old."
" Dost thou remember, good Marcus, those childish days we spent playing with shells on the shores of the Adriatic ? " was Quintus's seemingly irrelevant reply.
" Why talkest thou about shells ? Shells are not tesserse. By all the gods of Rome ! thou hast lost both thy reason and thy heart.''
"Were those shells and a pearl of great price brought before thee," continued Quintus, ignoring the other's unkind remark, "which would be thy choice ? "
" Dost thou attribute thy impairment to me that thou askest such a question? Who but an idiot would choose shells? Pearls are more precious in Rome."
" Be it so. Yet thou regardest me a fool because I renounce the tesserse for a priceless treasure."
Faith and Unbelief. 15
" By Castor ! thou art a greater mystery than a woman's heart to me. What is the world coming to when Fortune casts a priceless treasure at the feet of a Praetorian guard ? And what spell has possessed thee that thou findest no pleasure in a game of dice? Fortune was in love with Augustus, and she lavished her highest gifts on him ; but draughts and dice never had a better friend ! Caesar lives in a palace of marble and gold, but the rattle of the tesserae is music to his ear ! What quarrel has thy treasure with the dice ? O Quintus, thou art mad."
" Call it madness if thou wilt ; I call it wisdom. Is it madness to accept the true philosophy of life ? Religion is my treasure and it is the gift of Christ, not of fortune."
" Ha, ha, ha ! By all the Jupiters ! Art thou also a victim of that dog of a Jew? Pluto take me for being so stupid ! I see it all now. The Roman is lost in the Jew, and sees things with Jewish eyes. He hates the dice because he loves a chain. O Rome, thou hast lost one of thy children ! "
" Thy dog of a Jew is a Christian hero, O Marcus," said Quintus, striving with his feelings. " He is not a Roman ; yet can Rome find a nobler character ? Was Brutus as loyal to Caesar as Paul is to Christ? Was Antony more eloquent over the dead body of Caesar than Paul is when speaking of the death and resurrection of his Master? Or was Antony as devoted to Cleopatra as the apostle is to his religion? Thou callest him a dog ; has he not the courage of a lion without his ferocity ? He wins greater victories for Christ than Augustus won for Rome ! "
"His victories are certainly great, ha, ha! if Quintus Lartius be one of his trophies," said Marcus in derision. " By Jove, I shall win the wreath of immortality by petitioning the Senate to build a pedestal in the forum on which to place thee, with the inscription : QUINTUS LARTIUS, THE MOST CELEBRATED TROPHY OF PAUL THE JEW'S TRIUMPH FOU CHRISTUS! "
16 Rebekah.
" Ridicule is thy favorite weapon, O Marcus, and thou dost use it well," was Quintus's quiet remark. " But it cannot pierce through the shield of patient trust in Christ. Wielding it gives thee pleasure ; to me it gives no pain. The religion that chains cannot bind, can laugh in the face of scorn. And"
A heavy step on the pavement close by accom panied by a harsh laugh, prevented his finishing the sentence.
" What news, good Publius ? " said Marcus, address ing the newcomer. " Thy happiness could not be more complete if Fortune should offer thee her throne."
" Ha, ha ! by the love-locks of Bacchus, she may soon offer me her throne, seeing that she has already favored me with a smile," was Publius's laughing reply.
" What is thy good luck, O child of Fortune? It cannot be that thou, like Quintus, hast been en chanted by a Jew."
" A Jew would practice his arts in vain upon my heart ; but the enchantment of a Jewess has made me both her slave and her worshiper."
" Thou at least must be a willing slave, since thou art her worshiper. How long hast thou been in slavery?"
" About an hour."
" To what name does thy mistress answer ? "
" Rebekah."
" By the girdle of Venus, a genuine Jewish name. Of what mould is her face ? "
" Of the mould of Venus. When she was made, the mold was broken."
"Perpol! Dost thou hear that, my Quintus? Where does this incarnate Venus live?"
" Where should she live but where the Goddess of Love reigns," asked Publius with a grin.
" Not so fast, O slave ; please not so fast. Where did this unrivaled Jewess find thee ? "
" Doing my duty as becomes a Praetorian guard."
Faith and Unbelief. 17
" Thou wilt not be a Praetorian guard long ; thy wits will run away with thee. But tell us more about the enchantress."
" Calm thy anxiety, O my Marcus ; she needs but one slave. Hercle ! Cicero's tongue was never so eloquent as her eyes ; nor is Seneca's philosophy as convincing as her lips. Hadst thou, good Quintus, told me this morning when thou didst leave me to watch at Paul's side that Publius Romanus should ever wish himself a Jew, I would have pronounced thee both a liar and a fool ; for a coward never dreads a battle more than I did that strange advocate of Christus. But when that bewitching Jewess saluted him with a kiss I wished I were Paul the Jew."
" Perpol ! the idea ! a lion wishing to be transformed into a dog ! " interrupted Marcus, casting a signifi cant glance at Quintus.
" By the Nyrnphse ! what would a man not do to please a pretty woman? Thou, my Marcus, hast never been in love, or having been in love thou hast never been deeply wounded by Cupid, else thou wouldst wish thyself a dog, ay, even a Christian dog, if thou couldst not otherwise secure the smiles and caresses of a Venus ! "
" If thou wouldst revel long in thy happy dream, good Publius, let not the Jewess hang so loosely on thy tongue," quietly suggested Quintus. " Priscus, the centurion, has ears as well as eyes, and both are in sympathy with a heart that may have been touched by the charms of thy Venus."
" Ha, ha ! nearest thou that, my Publius ? " said Marcus with a sudden burst of laughter.
" Lend me a key to thy meaning," said Publius, a little crestfallen.
" Yesterday about this hour, Rebekah, the daughter of Herodion, accompanied by an Egyptian slave, entered Paul's room, where only a short time before Priscus had betaken himself. The eyes of the cen turion an4 of the Jewess met. Need I tell thee more ?
18 Rebekah.
Does not that which pleases the eye also loosen the tongue?"
Publius, fearing the ridicule of Marcus, was glad to hear at this juncture the call to the morning drill.
CHAPTER III.
THE SOLDIER AND THE APOSTLE.
REBEKAH'S solicitude greatly increased with the approach of her uncle's trial, as her frequent visits to him plainly indicated. It was not a little relief to her therefore when the trial was over, and the aged apostle was set at liberty. Herodion also shared in his daughter's feelings, and he realized that a great burden had been removed from his heart as he sat beside Paul in the tent on the house-top. The latter doubtless was glad also to have the privilege of associating with his kinsfolk at their own home. There was no sign of pleasure in his countenance, however, as Herodion pushed aside the curtain usually hanging between the two apartments ; but fixing his eyes on Nero's palace he said impressively :
" O the depth of corruption ! O the measure of in iquity concealed by that masterpiece of art ! O, Rome, the mistress of the world, thou callest that thy crown ! Its splendor is thy pride ; its strength thy boast ; yet it is naught but a whited sepulchre, a refuge for murder, and a haunt of vice and crime. The monster that revels, plots, and lusts within its garnished walls thou callest thy lord ; but the name which brings no blush to thy cheek is an abomination to heaven. The blood which thou winkest at cries for the vengeance of God. The wrath of Him with whom we have to do abides on all the workers of in iquity. Those that boast of power equal with the gods' must learn that the Creator of heaven and
The Soldier and the Apostle. 19
earth is of purer eyes than to behold evil with pleasure, or iniquity with approval. The heathen rage and rulers take counsel together ; but God de livers his children out of their hands. Ah ! Nero, I thank thee not for my freedom. It is the gift of God, not thine. He it is that strengthened me in my weak ness ; comforted me in my bonds ; and pleaded my cause before the ungodly. Blessed be his name for
ever."
While Paul thus soliloquized, Herodion watched him with deep attention and respect; and after a short pause reminded him of his presence by remark ing, " Thy prayers and mine, O my brother, have been answered. He that brought our fathers out of Egypt, and turned the captivity of Judah, has broken thy fetters and put thine accusers to shame."
" The Lord hath indeed led me in paths I have not known, my brother," said Paul, recovering somewhat from his abstraction. " Oftentimes I purposed to come to Rome that I might have some fruit here as among other Gentiles. I desired to come as a free man in Christ ; but bonds awaited me both at Jerusalem and Csesarea, and it was as a prisoner, having passed through narrow straits, that I came to Rome, yet what was suffering to me caused the gospel the more to abound. Therefore I rejoice in my bonds and give continual thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ because of the hope laid up in heaven for many who have heard my preaching."
While Paul was speaking Rebekah, accompanied by a young man about twenty -five years of age, ascended to the roof. The high, narrow forehead ; the cold but vigilant eyes ; the aquiline nose ; and the thin, straight lips of the stranger declared him a Roman. His stalwart form, firm step, and shining armor betrayed his calling ; and his short tunic, together with certain letters on the crest of his helmet, pronounced him to be the commander of one of the Praetorian bands. His handsome but sunburnt
20 Mebekah.
face, and winning manners were a fit complement to the comeliness of the maiden at his side.
Paul and Herodion became aware that they were not alone only when the merry voice of Rebekah apprised them of the fact. Then they arose to greet the new comers.
" Peace be unto thee, O Priscus, and to thee, my sister's daughter," said Paul, his face glowing with pleasure.
"Peace to thee, O centurion, and a hearty wel come to my house," was Herodion's cordial greeting.
" Though in the service of Mars, as my appearance plainly shows, I most gladly ac'cept and return your salutation," said Priscus, as he accepted the seat offered him by his host.
" Where should peace find a home if not among friends ? Thou, good Paul, hast no reason to be at peace with the Palatine, nor indeed with Rome ; but it were painful to me to learn that the bond of our friendship was cut asunder with thy fetters. May the day never dawn when thou shalt have cause to regret thy acquaintance with Julius Priscus."
" It shall never be said that Paul had a quarrel with that name," replied the apostle, " were it only for thy father's sake. And God forbid that I, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, should cherish enmity against the Praetorian guards, and especially against thee, who wast never ashamed to visit me in my bonds, and to pour the oil of kindness into the wound of my affliction."
" My father never fails to make honorable mention of thy name as his wise counselor during that long and perilous voyage on the Mediterranean."
" And I would be unworthy of my Master were I ever to forget that valiant soldier to whom more than an}'- other man I owe my life. Once, when the sailors were about to desert the ship, and again when the soldiers counseled thy father to slay the prisoners, did he assert his authority in our behalf. May the God of peace and love bless him out of the abundance
The Soldier and the Apostle. 21
of his mercy and grace. While I am thus minded of my indebtedness to him, it gives me no little pleasure to see that thou bearest the semblance of his soul as well as his body. But I would to God that not only thy father, but thou also be fully persuaded to follow Christ."
" Thou must know that to a Roman religion is of less importance than law. We have many Gods; but little godliness. We worship valor, glory, power, and beauty more than prayer, faith, and dogmas. Temples are less attractive to us than the palsestrse and the arena. Think it not strange, then, when I tell thee that what strengthens thy faith produces doubts and questionings in me. Thy patience and devotion, good friend, have appealed with more force to my heart than thy arguments. It is for thee to hope that thy good example may sometime lead me to feel the truth of thy teaching."
" While you love not our religion, you surely do not despise it," modestly remarked Rebekah.
" A man would be a brute to despise a religion which has such noble advocates," Priscus replied.
Paul admired the frankness of the centurion, and realized that his training and surroundings were a great hindrance to his conversion. Yet he felt cer tain that Priscus was much nearer the kingdom than he had been. He also perceived where the chief difficulty lay; therefore, reverting to one of the centurion's remarks, he said,
" Thou saidst that Romans give the supreme place to law rather than religion ; and yet what is religion but law ? It is God's law written in the constitution of man. You have temples ; why were they built? Is it not because even in Rome men cannot wholly ignore the presence of this law? The power and wisdom of God are clearly seen from the foundation of the world, being understood by the things that are made ; yet men have forsaken the glory of the im perishable God for idols graven in the likeness of perishable men, or of birds and beasts, and creeping
22 Eebekah.
things. Conscience approves whatsoever is true, just, pure and of good report; but men pervert their consciences, keeping down the truth by the wicked ness of their lives. Thus what should be the highest law of man is changed into a violation of that law, and men call it religion. Is it strange, then, that Romans prefer law to religion ? And what is it ye call law? The traditions and commandments of men. Upon what is it founded ? Love ? Would a law founded on love fill the houses and streets of Rome with beings, who, though possessing the pas sions and attractions of men, are stripped of all the moral obligations of a human being ? Or degrade a creature made in the image of God to the level of a beast? Or give a husband the power of life and death over his wife ? Or sanction the maiming and exposure of children ? Or approve the cruelties of the arena ? The law of which Rome boasts is the expressed will of the strong, the ambitious, and the lustful. Good Priscus, the religion which I offer thee is founded and tried by God in the flesh; and the law which Christians obey is founded on love and justice, being partial to none and binding on all."
It is impossible to describe the feelings of Priscus while listening to these words. He realized that what Paul said was confirmed by his pure, devoted life. On the other hand he had been taught to re gard slaves as mere property, and the exposure of children, and gladiatorial shows as perfectly right. Could it be possible that Rome with all her power and splendor was guilty of so much error and wrong ? He could not refute the apostle's argument, nor was he prepared to accept it. Therefore, he simply re marked that the ideas just presented were new to him, and that he would give them a thoughtful con sideration.
While Paul was speaking, Rebekah, although pre tending to be more interested in something she saw on the Palatine than in the apostle's words, stole frequent glances at the centurion's face, that she
Rome in Flames. 23
might catch a glimpse of his thoughts. While she had not known him long she found it very pleasant to be in his company, and felt an intense desire for his conversion. Having received a Christian train ing she had none of that abhorrence of Romans which characterized the unchristian Jews, and having always lived in Rome she had learned to see many noble qualities in her pagan acquaintances. Her father also had lost much of the prejudice he had against Rome in earlier years, as a result of his Christian growth and intercourse with the people. He had met Priscus more frequently than had his daughter, and gradually had come to regard him as a dear friend, chiefly on account of his kind treat ment of Paul. On the whole, then, the present interview was far more agreeable to all than one might at first think.
After Priscus's last remark the conversation took a general turn, and at the usual hour the friendly group descended to the triclinium to partake of the evening meal.
CHAPTER IV.
ROME IN FLAMES.
" DIDST thou say it is four weeks since my uncle's departure, Hagar ? So it is. How rapidly time flies ! "
" Then thou hast changed thy mind. When thy uncle was a prisoner on yonder hill, thou thoughtest that time's wings must have been clipped."
" It is a woman's privilege to change her mind as often as she pleases — a privilege to which even Hagar the Egyptian is not an entire stranger. Besides, thou knowest that the circumstances have changed. My uncle is no longer in fetters, and anxiety has ceased to prey upon my thoughts."
" I know that thy uncle is free, and God grant that he never again fall into the hands of his enemies.
24 Helekah.
But I fear that his niece has become fettered in his stead."
" Ha, ha ! what strange notions have taken posses sion of thee of late, Hagar ? If happiness is a proof of freedom, I never was more free."
" And if blushes have a meaning, thine prove that what I say is true. Besides, how often have I found thee reclining on that divan and gazing at the Prse- torium as though no place in Rome were half so fair or pleasant. And when that centurion comes here, which he does far too often to please me of late, thou, little hypocrite, triest to make him believe that thou dost welcome him because of what he has done and not because of what he is. His kindness to thy uncle is too thin a cloak for such warm friendship as yours."
Thus Hagar spoke in answer to Rebekah, as she sat beside her on the house-top. Having had the care of her young mistress since she was a child, she spoke to her with the utmost freedom. Her opposition to the intimacy existing between her and Priscus the centu rion was more apparent than real, however, although she was strongly prejudiced against the Praetorian guards. As she uttered the closing sentence her at tention was attracted by a huge column of smoke as cending from the valley lying between the Palatine and Cselian hills ; at first she and Rebekah regarded it only with curiosity, but the rapid increase of the smoke and the alarm that was sounded through the whole city soon awakened their apprehension. As the fire spread along the valley and up the hills on either side, excitement ran high, and such of the in habitants as were not helping to crowd the narrow streets, stood watching the progress of destruction from the house-tops. The flames were irresistible, and it soon became manifest that the whole city was in their power.
" If thou must go, do not stay long, nor expose thy self to danger," said Rebekah to her father as he was about to return to his place of business after a short Visit home to assure his daughter of his safety.
Rome in Flames. 25
" Thou art the greatest treasure I have on earth, my child," was the reply. " Yet as thou art not in immediate danger it is necessary that I should try to save my goods. I will be back as soon as possible ; in the meantime God watch over us all."
While Herodion made his way through the crowded streets to the business part at the northern base of the Palatine, Rebekah with Hagar and another domestic stood watching the fire. Most of the miserable wood en structures occupied by the poorer classes were already in ashes, and the flames were now spreading among the palaces of the great and the temples of the gods. At last the demon of destruction reached the Aventine, after raging in the other parts for two days and two nights. The night of the third day under ordinary circumstances would have been considered dark ; but the myriads of flames that were ascending in all parts of the city would have made it compara tively easy to discern objects on the farthest hills had it not been for the thick clouds of smoke that every where burdened the atmosphere. The confusion of noises arid horrid spectacles which accompanied this awe-inspiring scene taxed the nerves of the strongest constitution. An unusual flash, accompanied by a cloud of sparks and followed by a fearful crash, caused Rebekah, who together with the domestics was again on the house-top, to look towards the northern base of the Palatine, and to exclaim, " O Hagar, I fear all is not well with my father ! would to God he had barkened to my supplications ! But it would be very unlike him to sacrifice his own life and the happiness of his daughter to save his goods."
" Be of good comfort, my child ; the son of Eleazar is too familiar with wisdom to fall a prey to indiscre tion," was Hagar' s consoling remark. Then after a short pause she cried excitedly, " Look ! look I " point ing to a volume of fire and smoke breaking through the roof of a house to the right.
" I see," said Rebekah, a deadly pallor over-spread ing her face. " The angel of death is fast approaching.
26 Rebekah.
No earthly power can stay his course. No tears can quench his flaming breath ; no prayer can abate his fury. Hark ! O God, have mercy on those whose agonizing cries pierce our hearts ! "
" O mistress, let us flee to a place of refuge," ex claimed the other domestic in terror.
" Where wilt thou go ? seest thou not that we are encompassed by walls of fire, and that hundreds are trampled to death under the feet of the maddened crowds which block the lanes and streets ? No, no ; if we must perish let it be here, where the God of our fathers has gladdened our hearts in bygone days, and where my beloved father loves to dwell. O, that he were here now, or that I might know that he still lives and is praying for us ! "
During this conversation a man cautiously entered the court-yard through the door leading from the street, which the servants in their excitement had neglected to fasten. Creeping stealthily to the far thest end he ascended the stair-way to the upper story, and apprehending no cause for alarm, passed into the house, shortly he reappeared on the veranda at the foot of the stairway leading to the roof, and pouring oil on the wood-work, he again disappeared. Coming out the second time with a small casket under his arm, his shadow was cast on the opposite wall by a glaring light from the interior of the house. Reaching the veranda he applied his torch to it and to the upper stairway, and descended noiselessly to the court. As he glanced over his shoulder the flames revealed a devilish smile on his face ; and as he emerged from the outer passage into the narrow street, he muttered something about an additional cause of delight to Caesar and a fortune for himself.
All this had passed unobserved by Rebekah and the servants, they being too absorbed in the grand but awful scene before them to apprehend their own im mediate danger. The collapse of a house a few blocks in front of them sent a cloud of sparks into the air, and caused cold chills to pass through them all.
Rome in Flames. 27
" Ah," said Rebekah with a trembling voice, " how terrible ! Another home sacrificed to the flames ! and that bitter wail declares the entrance of more victims into the valley of death. O Rome ! Rome ! thy days are numbered. The measure of thy iniquity is full. Like Sodom and Gomorrah thou shalt be a perpetual desolation/' Then after a short pause she continued, " Would that my father and we were as safe as Lot and his daughters were ! "
By this time the fire had spread into that part of the house over which they stood, and Hagar, feeling the roof becoming hot under her bare feet, gave a sud den jump ; then turning around and seeing the flames ascending from the veranda and creeping up the stair way, she exclaimed with indescribable terror, " O mistress, mistress ! the house is on fire ! "
" What house ? " said Rebekah catching her tone. Then wringing her hands, she cried in agony, " O Lord Jesus, have mercy on us, for we perish ! " and dropped to the floor insensible.
The excitement of the day had made it impossible for her to bear the shock she now received. Hagar for the moment forgot her own danger in her solicitude for her mistress ; but the other domestic was frenzied by the sight of the flames. In her mad flight from side to side in quest of a way of escape she ventured too near the fire, and with flaming garments she ran like a maniac screaming and wailing alternately, and leaped in her terror over the battlements into the court below, where death soon ended her suffering. Hagar had just lifted Rebekah from the hot flqpr to a divan, when she saw the burning figure disappear. Ah, it was a horrible sight ! Is it any wonder that she hid her face and staggered? Her heart was sickened at the thought of her companion's fate and of the imminent danger she and her mistress were in. Kneeling beside the unconscious Rebekah she kissed her, and with suppressed, hysterical sobs she fanned her face.
The fire which crept up the stairway had now
28 Rebekah.
nearly reached the roof, and she knew the moment it touched it, its spread would be instantaneous. The increasing heat of the roof also led her to expect a sudden burst of flames from the room below. The noise and confusion of the gathering crowds in the street, and the shouts of hundreds of men and women from the neighboring house-tops tended to increase her excitement. She could see no way of escape. An alley separated Herodion's house from that of the nearest neighbor on the south. The house ad joining on the north was a three-storied structure. Hence its height was a barrier against escape in that direction without assistance.
While these facts and a thousand others seemed to rush through Hagar's mind, a familiar voice from the terrace above startled her with the cry, " Turn thee aside quick, my Hagar." As she obeyed a ladder touched the roof at her feet, and the next moment Prisons stood before her. Seeing Rebekah's pale face as she lay in unconsciousness, a dreadful thought possessed him, and he exclaimed, " Too late ! too late ! "
" No, no ; " cried Hagar, " it is not too late, O centurion. God be praised for sending thee to save us. But let us hasten, or we may all perish. See ! see ! the flames have reached the roof. A moment more, and we are lost ! "
" Get thee up the ladder, woman," said Priscus sternly as he lifted Rebekah in his strong arms.
" Shall I desert my master's child ? The Lord do so and much more to Hagar, if I see not Rebekah in safety ere I leave the roof."
" I commend thy devotion to thy mistress ; but it may prove fatal to thee," replied the centurion as he ascended the ladder with his precious burden. The heat by this time was almost unbearable ; but after a hard struggle, he reached the top in safety, and laid Rebekah on a rug in the corner of the roof farthest from the fire. As he bent over her a terrible scream attracted his attention to the head of the ladder, and
Rome in Flames. 29
he saw Hagar all aflame falling backward into the furnace of destruction. Rushing as near the end of the terrace as he dared, he caught a glimpse of her charred form as it disappeared through a burning gap in the roof. " Poor Hagar ! hadst thou heeded my command, this horrible fate might have been averted," was his sorrowful remark as he wiped a tear from his eye. Steps just then announced the arrival of a newcomer.
"Where is my child! Tell me for God's sake where my beloved daughter is," said Herodion, run ning to meet the centurion as he returned to where Rebekah lay.
" Would that all who have suffered since this calamity began were as safe as thy daughter," Priscus replied as he pointed to her.
" Thou mockest me ; she is dead ! "
" No ; but insensible ; she will soon revive."
" God be praised ! But how came she here ? Ah I need not ask that question. God bless thee, noble friend, and may I live to reward thee," were Hero- dion's hurried remarks as he stooped to kiss his daughter. Then looking around with renewed ter ror he inquired, " Where are the servants ? where is Hagar?"
The centurion explained all that he had seen ; but was unable to tell what had become of the one that had perished before he came. Herodion's whole frame was convulsed with emotion as he listened to what was said, for, unlike the Roman masters, he loved his domestics, and especially Hagar.
The house upon which they stood belonged to a rich Jew who together with his family was absent on a visit to Puteoli, and the servants who had charge of the house were among the crowds who blocked the streets, utterly unconscious of the danger which threatened their master's property. This, then, with the height of the house, accounts for the fact that the centurion found the terrace deserted when he arrived.
30 Rebekah.
Amidst a shower of sparks Herodion assisted by Priscus bore the unconscious maiden down to the court-yard. Then the centurion entered the house, and returned soon after with a bottle of wine.
Meanwhile Rebekah had been restored to con sciousness by the application of water from a fountain near by, and a few draughts of the wine had a salu tary effect upon her nerves. The shock which she had received produced no serious results, her tem porary insensibility proving a blessing to her in that it prevented her from sharing the fate of the others. As we recall her anxiety for her father previous to the discovery of her danger, we can imagine her delight at seeing him now by her side. The smile of recognition with which she greeted Priscus also showed that his presence was not disagreeable to her. But her delight was soon banished by a recollection of the dreadful scene which had overcome her, and this led to questions concerning the fate of the ser vants, and the rescue of herself. But her father, fearing an attack of nervous prostration, evaded every question, promising a full explanation as soon as a place of refuge was reached. Although this, in stead of satisfying her curiosity, led her to suspect the truth, yet she tried to dismiss the subject and asked,
" Where shall we go, dear father, now that we have no home ? "
44 If agreeable to you," said Priscus, anticipating Herodion, " my sister's house, like her heart, is open to receive you."
" The centurion ceased not to be generous when thy uncle departed, my child, as thou seest. May his peace flow like a river," said Herodion.
"May the God who has preserved us this night reward you for your kindness, and make the house of your sister like the house of Rachel," said Rebekah fervently. Then she declared herself able to walk by the assistance of her father, and Priscus led the way through a small door into a narrow lane, and
Seeking a Place of Refuge. 31
descended to the foot of the hill in a northerly direc tion. It was through that same door that Priscus and Herodiou had entered, thus avoiding the crowds.
CHAPTER V.
SEEKING A PLACE OF EEFUGE.
THERE are times when the mind is too absorbed in its own reflections to think of communicating them to others. This was true of the trio that we saw entering the alley in the preceding chapter. He- rodion, though not an avaricious man, was almost overwhelmed by the heavy losses which the fire caused him. The fate of Hagar and the unaccountable dis appearance of the other servant also weighed heavily on his heart. Like many others who have found themselves in similar circumstances, he could hardly realize that " all things work together for good to them that love God." Rebekah's mind was busily engaged in reviewing the happy scenes and expe riences associated with the only home she had ever known, and in deploring the dreadful calamity which had just overtaken her father's household. Priscus, being a Roman, thought of the grand historical edi fices and monuments which had been laid waste, as well as of the sad misfortune of his Jewish friends. They had gone but a short distance when they were startled from their abstraction by an unusual flash, and turning suddenly they saw a volume of fire and smoke ascending from the house of the rich Jew. They paused but a .moment, then as they resumed their journey Herodion remarked,
" Whence those flames originated is no mystery. But, my daughter, seest thou nothing strange in the destruction of our home ? "
" Yes, dear father. It was so unexpected. We boasted not of safety ; yet we feared no present dan ger. The wind was our friend ; though myriads of
32 Eebekah.
sparks filled the air, none came near us. Nor was the house lighted. Yet that the fire came from below I dare not doubt. That oil had been freely used is plain, for the spread of the flames was very rapid."
"Heard you no noise; saw you no form?" anx iously inquired Herodion as they passed between blackened masses of ruins out of which thick columns of smoke still rose.
" None, except distant cries and desolation. Our danger stole upon us like a lion upon his prey."
" Ah ! thy testimony, though too weak a foundation for certainty, is strong enough for suspicion. Good Priscus, hast thou heard that the spread of destruc tion has boen aided by torches ? "
" The report is on every tongue, except that of the dumb," said the centurion as he reached for some thing under the porch of a ruined house directly above the Circus Maximus. Then handing a small casket to Herodion, he added, " Knowest thou this ? "
One glance sufficed to convince Herodion that it was his own, and with a voice trembling with emo tion he exclaimed,
" God be praised ! this indeed is a strange provi dence. My home is gone ; my stock of goods is in ashes; but God has graciously preserved for me a most valuable treasure. Here are thy mother's jewels, my daughter. I need not tell thee that they are precious to me. She whose they once were is with the Lord ; but her comeliness still lingers among these. When I look at them my Sarah seems to stand before me again in all her youthful loveliness and grace. Ah ! how my heart ached when I thought them lost." Then turning to the centurion he con tinued,
" Noble Priscus, thou hast my most sincere thanks for this additional evidence of thy kindness. If I live not to reward thee, I trust the God of love will remember thee. But tell me, good friend, whence came this casket to thee ? "
Seeking a Place of Refuge. 33
" It came not, but was taken from the hand of a slave. Knowest thou Demetrius ? "
" One of Caesar's slaves ? " asked Herodion.
" The same," answered Priscus. " Wouldst thou trust thy life to him ? "
" I had rather take it with my own hand."
" The flame which destroyed thy home was kindled by his torch."
" God have mercy on his soul ! Didst thou learn this from his own lips ? "
"From his lips and from his hands, for he both confessed and handed me the casket."
" A veritable son of Belial ! The Lord forgive him, and teach him better employment."
"Where did you meet him?" eagerly asked Re- bekah.
" Ay, where ? " echoed Herodion. " I forgot to ask thee that."
" Between the circus and the Palatine bridge, as I was coming to your assistance. The wretch ! his courage died at the sight of my sword."
" Had he companions," again asked Rebekah.
" None ; nor did he desire any, for he avoided the crowds. When the avaricious finds gold he wants no company."
" Nor does the prudent desire to have other eyes than his own see where it is hid," was the significant reply.
They were now in full view of the circus, the remains of whose towers and columns, as their dim outline appeared in the light of the burning city, sent a pang to the heart of the centurion. Like the true Roman that he was, he was greatly attached to the popular resorts and games. For Herodion and his daughter, however, these things had no fascination, because they were pagan institutions. After walk ing in silence for a moment, Priscus said,
" This indeed is a sad day for Rome. Many of her masterpieces of art, relics of national glory, and mon uments of memorable events are already in ashes, and
34 Eebekah.
the rest soon will be. Most of them, doubtless, will be replaced with more gorgeous structures ; but the Ara Maxima, the shrine of Vesta with the house hold gods of our people and the trophies of grand victories, the temple of Jupiter Stattr, the temple of Luna, the palace of Numa, and I might add this grand old circus, can never be replaced. There is hardly anything left to remind future generations of the days of the Republic."
" What you say is true, no doubt," said Eebekah ; "but I shall miss none of these magnificent buildings so much as the circus. Not that I ever witnessed or was in love with any of the games connected with it ; but because I have so often looked down upon its large porticoes, above which the bakers and fruit-ven ders were always busy serving the crowds."
" And I — thou wilt pardon me, for saying it, my Prisons — " remarked Herodion, " shall miss that small but sacred building in which my beloved brother Paul was so long imprisoned, more than all the mag nificent structures of Rome."
" I blame thee not for feeling as thou dost, for I also had learned to regard it as sacred," said the cen turion. u But as a Roman I cannot but mourn the loss of so much that was valuable and sacred to my people."
" When I spoke of the circus," explained Rebekah, fearing lest her companions should have the impression that she cared nothing for that for which they had so much regard, " I was thinking of the public build ings. But as regards private buildings, I shall miss nothing so much as my uncle's former prison-house, except our home."
Here she glanced over her shoulder, and saw the summit of the Aventine all aflame, while a few tears trickled down over her cheeks. During the conversa tion the trio had passed the Circus Maximus, and were now opposite the ruins of the palace of Caligula on the right and the temple of Jupiter on the left, which rose above all the magnificent edifices on the
Seeking a Place of Refuge. 35
Capitoline as if conscious of its own splendor, and defiant of the angel of destruction. Their course thence led them between the smoky ruins of Basilica Julia and the temple of Castor, and along the sacred way, past the blackened remains of the Forum Roma- num, until they came to the base of the Esquiline hill. Here they entered a street leading to the aris tocratic quarter on the western part of the hill ; but they found it so crowded that it became almost impossible for them to make farther progress. Al though the hour was late there seemed to be no end to the tide of humanity that filled the street. Those going to view the work of destruction and those returning were about equally divided, and they kept up a continual contest of pushing, elbowing, and swearing.
" Not so hard, my Servius, not so hard," cried Priscus, addressing a man who was trying to squeeze by him.
" Halloo ! Priscus, what brings thee here at this hour ? Does thy flesh hang so loose that thou comest here to be pressed ? Perpol ! this is worse than — Hold there, thou knave, that is my foot ! "
" A word with thee," said the centurion, leaning close to Servius's ear. " Thou knowest Herodion the Jew?"
" Ay, the toga that these rascals are now rending to pieces was bought of him. But what about him ? "
" He and his daughter are homeless. Canst thou afford them shelter for a few days ?"
" I am no lover of — Hercle ! there will be nothing left of me soon — I have no love to spare for Jews ; but if thou art in love with the daughter, I will make an exception in this case. Where are they$s"
" Friends, where are you? " said Priscus, trying to look around.
" Here, close behind you," answered Rebekah.
" By the girdle of Venus, that girl's voice is sweeter than Apollo's music," whispered Servius. " Had I not been captured already by thy sister, I
36 Hebekah.
would make no little effort to take her away from thee."
Servius was a man of consular rank, whose resi dence stood in the aristocratic quarter already alluded to. Fortunately for his house as well as many others, the cliffs along the western base of the Esquiline had cut short the progress of the flames in that direction. When his attention was arrested by the centurion he was elbowing his way towards the present seat of the fire ; but his unexpected meeting with his brother- in-law caused him to alter his intentions.
Owing to her exhausted condition, Rebekah was glad to see him at length take an oblique course towards a large house of Roman architecture facing the Capitoline. Priscus had made her progress as easy as possible, and he now led her out of the crowd into a vestibule within a beautiful portico ranging with the street, and surrounded on three sides by the house.
" Are you all here ? " said Servius, drawing a breath of relief. Receiving an affirmative answer, he gave a loud knock, and the large folding-doors flew open as if by magic, admitting the small company into a hall six feet wide and nearly thirty long, which was paved with tiles corresponding in colors to the paint on the wall. On their way to the other end of the passage they walked over the figure of a dog worked in mosaic on the pavement near a small door leading into the room of the porter. Here another door flew open be fore them, and they passed into a large apartment, the most splendid in the house, which now appeared to the best advantage in the light of the beautiful chandeliers which hung from the ceiling in various parts of the room. Although much exhausted, Rebekah's interest was greatly aroused by the splen dor which everywhere met her gaze, and after she had been conducted to one of the highly embroidered divans with which the room was furnished, her eyes wandered in amazement from one object to another, and she felt like one in a dream. In the centre of
Seeking a Place of Refuge. 37
the floor was a cistern, called the impluvium, orna mented with statues and columns. Directly above this was the eompluvium, an opening towards which the roof sloped so as to throw the rain-water into the cistern. A row of highly ornamented tiles edged the roof around this opening, and there were spouts in the form of lions' heads at the corners to carry the rain-water into the impluvium. From these artistic attractions the fascinated maiden glanced at the floor, which was paved with white tesserae, spotted with black, then at the enchanting scenes painted on the walls. At this juncture her observations were cut short by the entrance into the room of the hostess, who gave her and her father a cordial welcome to the shelter and hospitality of the house of Servius.
The lateness of the hour and the wearied state of the guests prevented extensive conversation. Hence after partaking of some light refreshments they were soon allowed to retire. Rebekah was led into a small guest-chamber at the right of the atrium, for that is what the large room was called, and her father was conducted to a similar one on the left.
When his guests had retired, Servius and Priscus engaged in private conversation on a matter of great importance.
"Dost thou know, my Priscus, that CaBsar is said to be responsible for this wholesale destruction ? " whispered Servius.
" Ay, but I am not prepared to believe it. I am not a very ardent admirer of Nero, as thou knowest ; but I can not see how he could be responsible for the fire when he was at Antium, unless he had entrusted the work of destruction to certain of his slaves before he left," was the reply.
" Ah ! that's it," said Servius, casting a sweeping glance around the room. " I have not the least doubt but that his absence was a part of his infernal scheme, designed to blind the eyes of the people to his participation in the crime. What I have heard this evening has confirmed me in my belief."
38 EebeJcah.
" What hast thou heard ? "
" That on returning to the city a little after sunset he mounted the tower of Maecenas in scenic dress, and calling for his lyre he chanted the ' Capture of Ilium ' before his applauding sycophants ! "
" Thou dost astonish me ! Much as I detest him, I have never thought him capable of an act so abomi nably wicked. If what thou hast heard be true, I shall find no difficulty in believing as thou dost, nor will I oppose the speedy removal of such a fiend."
Here Priscus took his departure, promising to call again soon, and Servius retired.
CHAPTER VI.
SIMILARITY AND DISSIMILARITY.
It took several days for Rebekah to recover from the effects of the physical and mental strain which she had lately endured. Meanwhile the hostess showed great consideration for her. She set apart one of her own slaves for her exclusive attendance, and spent much time herself in her company. She explained to her the mean ing of a wall-painting at the foot of Rebekah's bed representing a woman sitting before a large, open chest with a child in her arms ; laughed when Rebekah told her that the picture of a sea-nymph sporting in the waves had caused her father one night to dream that she had fallen into the Tiber and was vainly striving to gain the shore ; and told her many stories about illustrious Romans. When Rebekah was sufficiently restored to wander about the house, she conducted her first to the peristyle, a large court communicating with the atrium through narrow passages, and open to the sky in the middle. As the two stood near a beautiful foun tain in the centre of the court, amidst a great variety of flowers and shrubs, Rebekah was almost bewildered
Similarity and Dissimilarity. 39
by the beauty of the place. Although the Doric columns supporting the roof around the large open ing above were by no means to be despised, her eyes lingered much longer on the flowers, and on the fas cinating paintings which decorated the walls. There she saw the lance, helmet, and shield of Minerva ; here, the eagle and the globe of Jove. There she was attracted by the panther of Bacchus ; here by Neptune and Apollo presiding at the building of Troy. But other wonders awaited her.
" This," said the hostess, leading her into a recess at the east end of the atrium, " is what we call the tdbl'nium, which as thou seest contains the archives, pictures, statues, genealogical records, and other ancestral relics belonging to our family. When thou art at leisure some day I shall be glad to give thee the history connected with them. Before we go far ther, however, I must show thee this picture. There ! knowest thou whose it is ? "
" I think not ; I do not remember having ever seen the original," was the reply.
" And yet thou must have heard of him, for Priscus told me that thy uncle — he that was in custody on the Palatine — knew my father well."
" Oh, thy father ! yes, I have heard my uncle speak of him often, and always with praise. Had I never heard of him, I could tell by that picture that Rome has no nobler men."
Not a little pleased at this remark, the Roman matron now conducted her guest past Herodion's room, up several flights of stairs through the quarters of the slaves, who, in accordance with Roman usage, occupied the upper part of the house, to the solarium, which combined in one the modern observatory and conservatory. Here the sight of vine-covered trel lises, rare plants, and sparkling fountains, for a moment beguiled Rebekah into a pleasant train of thought. Under ordinary circumstances the exten sive view of the city and the surrounding country which their elevated position commanded would also
40 Rebekah.
have been highly pleasing and inspiring. But now, with a few exceptions, heaps of ruins, many of which still emitted clouds of smoke, everywhere met the eye. As Rebekah contemplated this desolate and painful scene, a little boy and girl, puffing and jabber ing at a great rate, came running towards their mother from the head of the stairway, and seeing a turtle near a fountain at the other end of the sola rium, they bounded towards it and began to amuse themselves by teasing it. The mother saw that what had long ago ceased to be a novelty to her was viewed with absorbing interest by Rebekah, and she watched attentively the varied expressions on her face. To a stranger she herself would have been an object of study as well as admiration. She was sev eral years older than Rebekah, and less beautiful ; yet there was something very fascinating in her man ner and looks. Her features as well as dress were purely Roman. Her eyebrows and eyelids were painted, and the veins on her temples were touched with a delicate blue color. The stola, consisting of one piece of material, sewed together in the form of a sack, constituted her outer garment. It reached to her feet, was fastened round her body by a girdle, and over her shoulders by a clasp, leaving broad folds above the breast. The tips of bright-colored shoes embroidered with gold were seen under the border of her dress. A costly necklace, and armlets and rings of gold constituted her ornaments. In the cast of her face Rebekah had already detected a strik ing resemblance to Priscus. There was that in her bearing also which strongly reminded the Jewish maiden of the centurion; otherwise she might not have felt so much at ease in her presence.
An observer could not have failed to notice the contrast between these representatives of two people so different in physical traits, habits of life, and na tional customs. The one was a slave all but in name to the will of her husband and to heathen super stitions and ideas. The other enjoyed nearly all the
Similarity and Dissimilarity. 41
privileges which daughters enjoy in Christian homes to-day, and possessed a true Christian heart and spirit.
As Rebekah watched the efforts of the turtle to es cape from the children, the voice of her hostess startled her, and as she turned towards her, a slight flush rose to her cheeks.
"Wert thou Seneca, and were philosophy thy dear est idol, my friend, thou couldst never be more fond of meditation. Pray, what do thine eyes find to feast upon in that childish scene ? " inquired the matron, ignoring Rebekah's slight confusion.
"That childish scene has for me a deep signifi cance," was the maiden's earnest reply. " In that struggling turtle, vainly striving to get away from his young tormentors, I see a living picture of a sin ner attempting to escape from sin and death."
" Why not regard it as a picture of man trying to free himself from the power of the Parcse ? "
" Because I am a Christian. To me the Parcse ex ist only in the imagination. The God who made the world and every living thing, and who rules over the affairs of men, is the only Dispenser of destinies ; for in Him we live, move, and have our being."
" Strange that thou shouldst deny the existence of these goddesses in view of all that has happened to thee and thine of late. Seest thou that picture on the wall ? It was painted by a friend of my husband, and represents the three ParcaB. There thou seest Clotho spinning the thread of life ; there Lachesis is shown determining the lot of life ; and there Atropos appears cutting the thread of life. That I believe is based on fact."
"That great calamities have overtaken us I will not deny ; but that they are due to the Fates no Christian can believe. It was the true God who per mitted that son of Belial to set fire to our home; and it was the same God that sent thy valiant brother to save my life, and to lead my father and me to thy hospitable home."
42 RebeJcaL
" If he whom thou callest the true God sent Priscus to save thee, who destroyed thy father's slaves ? "
" It was neither the Fates nor God ; but their own imprudence. I should have shared their terrible doom, no doubt, had not consciousness deserted me when it did," said Rebekah wiping a tear from her eye, and burying her face in her hands. Then after a pause she added, " What made me incapable of seeking a way of escape, also preserved me from fatal rashness. Had I witnessed poor Zillah all aflame leap ing over the battlements, I might have followed her example. Had I seen Hagar falling into that burn ing abyss, I might have leaped after her." Here her emotions became uncontrollable, and her whole frame shook like a tree in a storm. Her father had informed her that morning of all that he had learned concern ing the fate of his domestics, and had urged her not to indulge in melancholy reflections. But her mind frequently recurred to what she had heard in spite of every effort to the contrary, and at last all her reso lutions to govern her feelings were swept before the flood of tears.
Tears appeal much more strongly to the human heart than even the most learned arguments. Hearts which were impervious to the most eloquent ad dresses have melted into tenderness and compassion before weeping humanity. As Servius's wife listened to Rebekah's words she felt inclined to dispute her statements ; but when she saw her tears she forgot all her objections, and was impelled by that sympathy which is known only to woman to move closer to her and pour the oil of consolation into her wounded heart. The little girl also when she heard the maid en's sobs lost all interest in the turtle, and while try ing to climb up to Rebekah's lap she murmured, " There, there ; don't cry ; you will be better soon." The boy, who was the older of the two, witnessed the outburst of tears with an expression of mingled sur prise and disgust, and when his sister deserted him he reluctantly let the tormented chelonian escape
Similarity and Dissimilarity. 43
from him, and approaching his mother he whispered in her ear, " What is she crying for ? "
" Hush, my child ; her tears have a cause that thou canst not understand. Go and play," was the mother's reply.
" I can't ; he is gone now, and can not be found again," remarked the boy sullenly.
" See ! there is a beautiful butterfly ; take thy sister and run to catch it."
" Come quick, Octavia. See ! it comes this way. Help me to chase it."
The outburst of emotion, like the eruption of a volcano, exhausts the force that causes it. Thus when the flow of tears had subsided, Rebekah felt re lieved of much of her sorrow. She was, however, not a little ashamed that her self-control had de serted her so completely in the presence of one who was to her but little more than a stranger. Therefore when she could speak again she said apologetically, " Thy pardon, good friend, for this manifestation of my weakness."
" Rather grant me thy pardon ; my thoughtlessness opened the ftood-gates of thy heart. Call not thyself weak. Horatius was never more heroic than thou hast been during these evil days. The hand of adver sity has been heavy upon thee ; yet thy lips have uttered no complaints. Had I been in thy place, I fear the gods would grow weary of my murmurings. Thou art not an Epicure ; yet the sweet and beauti ful never had a truer friend. Nor art thou a Stoic ; yet Zeno was never more patient and resigned. I had rather possess this noble trait than a fortune."
" Hadst thou known me better, thou wouldst have a different opinion of me," replied Rebekah modestly. " The Lord grant, however, that I be more worthy of him. Although I am often impatient, I am persuaded that none has greater reasons to be patient and re signed than a Christian. The Supreme God is his leather, and all things work together for his good, ihe Son of God is his Saviour and Guide, and- he has
44 Bebekah.
not only set before him an example of perfect patience and resignation, but also has said, 4 In the world ye shall have tribulation ; but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.' "
" He whom thou callest the Supreme God must be Jupiter, the greatest of the gods, and the Father of Heaven. He is also the Father of the Romans. But whom callest thou 4 the Son of God ' ? Jupiter has many children ; which of them hast thou in mind ? '' " The God of whom I speak may be known to thee as Jupiter; but thy conception of him differs from mine. To me he is not 4 the greatest of the gods ; ' but the Only True God ; for he has said, ' Besides me there is no God.' Neither did he spring from other gods, as you believe ; for he has also said, 4 I am the first, and I am the last.' Nor has he but one Son. Thou hast heard of Jesus Christ ? "
"Yes. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate." 44 He is the Son of God, the Saviour of men." 44 Can a malefactor be a Son of God ? " 44 He was not a malefactor ; but he laid down his life that he might give himself a ransom for all."
This explanation while in perfect accord with the Scriptures was far from satisfactory to the Roman matron. To her mind to say that one who had been crucified was the Son of God was to be guilty of the greatest incongruity. Nor could she see how his death could have any relation to sin. Stronger minds than hers have stumbled over the same truth, because they have tried to understand it without feeling it.
Further discussion was prevented at this point by the arrival of the centurion, who, ignoring the signs of weeping on Rebekah's face, said kindly, 44 Ah ! I am very glad to see you here. Duty has prevented my coming to see you sooner. But your father has kept me daily informed of the state of your health."
44 It is very kind of you to be so interested in our welfare," said Rebekah, blushing. u When you led us here, I knew not the name of my rescuer. Let me now say that my tongue can never express the
Plotting and Counterplotting. 45
gratitude that my heart feels towards you for your timely aid."
" Pray do not mention it. I am sorry my arrival was so late." Then after a short pause he continued : " The events of that day, then, are no longer a mys tery to you? "
" No. My father has kept his promise. He has also informed me of your kind assistance in the burial of his dead."
" Ah ! many are those who have needed such as sistance of late," said Priscus. Then turning to his sister he added, " Fortune has greatly favored thee, Valeria, in the preservation of tlry home and loved ones in the midst of this desolation."
"True; and I shall express my gratitude in an offering of thanks on her altar to-morrow."
It will be observed that Valeria, true to the in stincts of womanhood, was far more pious than her brother. While he had reached a condition which was neither pagan nor Christian, her faith in the gods of Rome was unshaken. Priscus, however, concealed his true state of mind from his sister ; but as he ac companied Rebekah down to the atrium that evening, he dropped certain words that gave promise of a change of heart.
CHAPTER VII.
PLOTTING AND COUNTERPLOTTING.
ON the evening of the second day after the confla gration had ceased, as the shades of night descended upon the scene of desolation, a man walked leisurely towards a beautiful arbor in the centre of the Impe rial Garden on the north-eastern part of the Palatine. His face wore a grave expression, and he was evi dently more absorbed in his own thoughts than in his surroundings. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the garden had been shorn of much of its beauty by
46 Rebekah.
the multitudes that had sought refuge in it only a few days before ; or perhaps it was owing to some sad story to which he had just been listening. As he was about to enter the arbor the hum of voices attracted his attention. Stepping noiselessly behind an ever green tree, he peered through the thick foliage and saw two men enter the retreat.
The change which came over his countenance at that moment indicated that he felt himself in a crit ical position, and the hasty way in which he sur veyed his surroundings, showed a desire to escape. Seeing, however, that he could not leave his place of concealment without detection, he decided to remain where he was, whatever might be the consequence. The men sat facing him, and he became an involuntary listener to the following dialogue.
" Thinkest thou, my Tigellinus, that these shrubs and trees have ears ? "
" If they have ears, most noble Csesar, they have no tongues ; or if they have both ears and tongues they have no brains to convert sound into informa tion."
" If thou thinkest that none but ourselves are here to enjoy this feast of words, thou mayest proceed to spread thy table."
" I have already told thee, my lord, that thou art charged with setting the city on fire. With thy per mission I will add that thy name is accompanied with execrations on almost every tongue."
"Ha, ha! their execrations can break no bones."
"But they may transform themselves into dag gers."
" Trouble not thyself with suppositions; facts are more palatable. On what grounds do the miserable dogs base their charge ? "
" My lord needs a good memory, if he would re member them all."
" The theatres of Rome have never paid tribute to a memory that rivals mine. Go on. I am all
Plotting and Counterplotting. 47
" Nor has the most illustrious of the Caesars received tribute from a people who easily forget. They say that thou hast reveled in visions of flaming cities for years ; that being told on a certain occasion how Gains used to quote the words of Euripides, ' When I am dead, sink the whole earth in flames,' thou didst reply, 4 Nay, but while I live ' ; that thou hast often said that Priam was fortunate in having seen the burning of Troy; that thou hadst a desire to destroy Rome that thou mightest replace its narrow lanes with broad, regular streets, and its various buildings with uniform edifices of Hellenic architecture ; that Claudius during a conflagration sat for two nights in a small counting-office, to encourage the firemen and soldiers in their efforts to extinguish the flames, by distributing large sums of money among them ; but that thou didst cause every effort to arrest the progress of destruction to be resisted, and that thy slaves were seen, during a lull in the conflagration, with tow and torches on the premises of men of con sular rank. Have thine ears been satiated ? "
" Pluto take them ! the slanderous dogs ! What I have done counts for naught. Were not the Campus Martins, the Monumenta Agrippae, and even my own gardens thrown open to them by my command? Who caused those temporary structures to be built, that furniture to be brought from Ostia, and that im mense quantity of wheat to be sold almost for nothing ? Yet this is but a drop of water in the ocean compared with what Claudius has done ! This is gratitude with a vengeance. By all the gods of Rome, they shall pay for this."
" Not so loud, O Csesar, nor so fast; sound attracts ears as honey does bees, and precipitation too often ends in death. The current of popular indignation has turned against thee. Thy rage cannot stay it. If thou wouldst save thyself be a Cyrus, and change the Euphrates of their displeasure into a new chan nel."
" Ah ! thou art a good counsellor, my Tigellinus.
48 Rebekah.
Thou canst well afford to be calm when men curse me for thy misdeeds as well as for my own. But it is useless to upbraid thee. I will rather heed thy counsel if thou wilt tell me what thou meanest by turning the course of the popular fury."
"My lord knows that a certain sect called Christians has greatly increased of late by the bab blings of that enthusiast whom the people call Paul the Jew."
" And thou knowest that Poppsea scarcely speaks of anything else."
" Thou shouldst thank Fortune, O Caesar, that her tongue is too much employed in denouncing and cursing that fatal superstition to pay attention to thy faults. Thou wilt find her a cunning ally in the ex ecution of the scheme which I am about to propose."
"What plot hast thou been weaving now, pray? "
"It is simple enough ; thou must accuse the Christians of setting the city on fire."
" Ha, ha ! nothing is easier than that ; but canst thou make the charge appear plausible ? "
" I can, my lord. The fire originated in the shops of the Jews. The Christians are a Jewish sect at variance with their countrymen. What would be more natural than to trace the crime to them ? "
"Good! Goon."
"Nearly all our temples and images have been destroyed. The Christians abhor both our gods and our temples ; and every coin bearing thine image, and every gateway surmounted by the image of a god is an abomination to them.'
" Hercle ! thou surpassest thyself."
" The Christians have long declared that not only Rome, but the whole world must be destroyed by reason of iniquity."
" I have seen Rome in flames ; would that I might now see the world ! "
" Lastly, these despised fanatics have no friends. None will defend them ; none will condemn those who dare to molest them."
Plotting and Counterplotting. 49
" Mirabile ! thou talkest like a god, my Tigellinus. Had Cyrus a counsellor like thee, to cause the Eu phrates to desert its rightful bed had been no difficult task. Thou hast done thy part well ; now listen : to-morrow thou shalt send forth a decree in my name condemning to death all Christians and all who dare to harbor them. Secret orders must be given that all the gates be watched to prevent their escape. The gods shall have blood to their satisfaction. Rome shall be converted into a grand theatre. My gardens shall be lighted at nightfall by avenues of Christians wound in tow and saturated in pitch. These walks shall be adorned with thousands of crucified forms ; young and old shall be sewn up in the skins of bears or wolves, and be torn to pieces by dogs in the am phitheatre, to the amusement of twenty thousand spectators. The tragedies of Greece shall be enacted with absolute reality here in Rome. Art thou sat isfied ? "
" The killing of a dog may be such as to awaken the pity of a mob, my lord."
" Perpol ! thou needst not fear an excess of cruelty. Rome seeks revenge ; it shall have amuse ment. It thirsts for imperial blood ; it shall be sati ated with the blood of fanatics."
" Thou hast thy lion slain ere it is caught."
" When cunning hunters like thee are abroad the lion's life is not his to keep."
" Ha, ha ! thy wit, O illustrious, grows fat on this plot. If thou wouldst have me be thy hunter, thou shouldst set me on the trail."
" Thou must seize all those whom thou knowest to be Christians, and force them to confess the names of all the rest."
<4 My knowledge may lead me among thy slaves."
" Be it so ; seing that it must also lead thee among thine own."
" When shall the tragedy begin, my lord ? "
" When thou bringest the actors on the stage. But hark ! that cisium brings Rufus. We must
50 EebeJcah.
take him into our confidence. Let us to the palace." The effects produced by this conversation on the involuntary listener introduced at the beginning of the chapter were various. The popular charge against Nero was nothing new to him ; nor was he unfamiliar with his temper, since he was one of his slaves. The conspiracy against the Christians, how ever, was as unexpected as unwelcome to him, for he had been a believer in Christ, long before Paul went to Rome. His knowledge of the conspirators filled him with apprehension. He was not ignorant of the part they had taken in the destruction of the city ; nor had he any reason to expect them even to modify their mad plot against the Christians. We can imagine, then, how uneasy he felt when listening to the details of the Satanic scheme so soon to be exe cuted.
For some time after the departure of Nero and his sycophant, the man stood where he had been hiding as if riveted to the ground. Thoughts crowded into his mind, and he found great difficulty in deciding what to do. He realized that the Church at Rome was about to pass through a terrible crisis. Should he keep the plot a secret ? Would it be treachery for him to expose it ? His conscience plainly told him. " No." It also told him that secrecy on his part would be equal to an approval of one of the most atrocious crimes ever invented by man. God, in leading him at that hour to a place which he rarely visited, and in permitting him to hear what the conspirators wished to keep secret, undoubtedly meant that he should give warning to as many as possible of his brethren that very night. But who should have the first warning? Evidently the leaders, for they would be among the first to be seized. Arriving at this decision, he looked cau tiously around him, and walked away in the direction of the Esquiline.
A short time later, he entered the ostium of Ser- vius's house, and informed the porter that he wished
Plotting and Counterplotting. 51
to see Herodion. The latter was at that moment in the atrium with Rebekah and Prisons. Opening the inner door the porter announced the arrival of the new-comer, who as he entered the room gave a sud den start when he saw the centurion ; but immediately recovering his self-possession he said, " Peace be unto you and unto all the Israel of God."
" We return thy greeting, good Apelles, and wel come thee into this house," said Herodion, approach ing the new-comer.
" Thy pardon for this intrusion ; the important communication that I have for thine ear is my only excuse."
" I fear another calamity is about to befall us," whispered Rebekah to Prisons, as her father and Apelles disappeared into a private room near by. With the quickness of woman's instinct she had caught a glimpse of the truth in the face of the slave.
Herodion listened with a mingled feeling of in dignation and surprise to the exposure of the imperial plot, and frequently interrupted Apelles with ques tions. The interview ended with a brief consulta tion as to the best course to pursue in view of the pending calamity, and the Christian slave hastened to unfold the Satanic scheme to others.
When Herodion rejoined his daughter and the centurion a great change had come over him. Pris- cus noticing this change remarked,
" Thy troubled look, good friend, betokens evil tidings."
" Thou hast rightly judged. The sky of our hope is again beclouded, and a storm is gathering."
" Dost thou mean, father, that Rome is to be visited by another calamity ? ' '
" Not Rome, my child, not Rome, but Christians. Satan is abroad, and his angels have entered into the hearts of those in high places. Truly did our Lord say, ' Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves ; ' and precious is the advice, 4 Be ye there-
52 MebeJcah.
fore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' Then fixing a regretful look upon the centurion he con tinued, " Thy sister's house has indeed been a true home to us. Its friendly roof has sheltered us from privation ; but it cannot protect us from death."
" Surely, thou hast no cause to fear death," said Priscus with surprise. " Thou hast been guilty of no crime ; why should thy life be in danger ? "
" Jonathan was not more true to David than thou hast been to us. To conceal this secret from thee would be rendering evil for good. Therefore listen. Caesar, as thou knowest, is charged with having kindled the flame that has destroyed the city. This charge has reached his ear, and has troubled his heart. . Following the counsel of Tigellinus, he now seeks relief in attributing his crime to the Christians. Before the setting of to-morrow's sun all who profess the name of Christ, and all who give them shelter, will be under the sentence of death."
" Art thou sure that thy informer is a lover of the truth ? Or being a truthful man might he not have been misinformed ? " suggested Priscus.
" Apelles, though a slave, has good report of all men and of the truth itself. What his tongue has uttered his ears have heard this night in one of the imperial gardens. He knows the voice of his master, and Tigellinus is not a stranger to him."
" It is an infamous plot. But thou and thine will still remain under my sister's roof."
" That would be endangering the lives of our benefactors with our own. We leave this very night."
" Why not stay at least another day ? "
" After to-morrow the gates will be watched, and escape will be impossible."
44 But where shall we go, father ?" asked Rebekah with, a troubled look.
" Yes, where ? " echoed the centurion.
The place suggested by Herodion was far from satisfactory to the centurion, and the thought of it
The Sand-Pits. 53
sent a chill through Rebekah ; yet both of them had to admit that it had the merit of being a safe place. It was with heavy hearts that they parted that night, and sleep was banished from their eyes. Tribula tion, however, could not sunder their affections.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SAND-PITS.
NOT long after the centurion's departure, Herodion sought the presence of Servius and his wife, who listened with no little surprise to the information they received, and who were very sorry that matters were assuming such unfavorable aspects, not that they cared for the new religion, but because of their sym pathy for their guests. Although they had known them only for a few days, their noble character and behavior had awakened their highest respect, and it was with great reluctance that they consented to their leaving so unexpectedly, and with such gloomy prospects before them. Nor were their guests anx ious to leave the home in which their surroundings were so congenial, and where so much kindness had been shown them ; but they felt it their duty to depart as soon as possible.
It was a little after midnight when they emerged from the vestibule of Servius's house into the narrow street ; and as they did so an indescribable sense of loneliness came over them. It lasted but a short time, however. As they looked up into the clear Italian sky, they remembered Him who made the heavens, guided the Israelites with a column of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day, and sent the Star of Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Saviour of the world. To say that they had no fear would be untrue. They were no less human because they were Christians ; their fear, however, was under the control of reason and faith. They believed
54 Rebekah.
that He who had warned them of their danger was also able to defend them from harm. As they wended their way in silence between the Palatine and Cselian hills towards the Via Appia, they drew close to each other, avoiding suspicious objects and often stopping to listen. No sounds were heard except the barking of dogs and the occasional clatter of hoofs, indicating the late arrival of some traveller, or the mad haste of some reveler as he spurred his horse homeward. Being the latter part of July, the atmosphere was very warm, and the fumes which still rose from some of the ruins made it rather op pressive. Rebekah and her father were too intent upon reaching their destination, however, to think of discomforts.
Passing out of the Porta Capena, each heaved a sigh of relief, and paused to rest. Although they had not reached the limits of the city, they were thankful that they were outside those frowning walls which marked the bounds of ancient Rome. Their course now lay in a southeasterly direction, among gardens and comparatively modern houses. It was a course which Herodion had frequently followed on his way to Ceesarea. Resuming their journey they trod lightly upon the pavement, occasionally ad dressing each other in whispers. As the distance increased between them and the Porta Capena, the houses grew farther and farther apart, and the tombs of the illustrious families of Rome grew more numer ous on either hand. Towards the close of their journey, they left the Via Appia, passing between two tombs — that on the left being a funeral tri clinium, presenting to the street a plain front about twenty feet in length ; and that on the right being a square building, containing a small chamber, from the level of whose outer wall steps rose, supporting a marble cippus richly ornamented. As they ap proached a low hill in the vicinity of the tombs, they saw a dark object in front of them, which even in the starlight strangely contrasted with the surround^
The Sand-Pits. 55
ings. This on nearer approach proved to be the chief entrance to the sand-pits, then so widely known. It was not a very inviting place ; certainly the two fugitives thought so as they seated themselves at its mouth. As Rebekah looked into the interior, she instinctively shrank from its blackness, and made some excuse for nestling closer to her father. She was not a little fatigued also after her unusual exertion. As neither of them felt inclined to talk, each indulged in a disconnected train of thought, and soon fell fast asleep, Herodion resting against the side of the entrance, and Rebekah leaning on his shoulder. They slept the sleep of the righteous — a sleep that Nero never knew. No murdered forms haunted their dreams ; no inhuman plots disturbed their rest. Not even the consciousness of a pending calamity troubled them now. They presented such a picture as angels might admire. Indeed it would be quite natural for us to think that they did admire it. Are we not told that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation ? Then they surely hovered near Rebekah and her father ; for they were true followers of Christ, and the beauty of their souls appeared in the calm, truthful expression of their countenances. They were Israelites indeed.
They had been sleeping only about an hour when the sound of approaching steps and of suppressed voices caused them to awake with a start. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a small group of men and women close upon them, who in turn had been alarmed by the noise they had made in awaken ing. Being convinced that the new-comers were Christians, the father and daughter rose to their feet, and Herodion said in an assuring voice, " Peace be unto you all, and welcome to this our common refuge."
" Ah ! it is Herodion," remarked one who seemed to be the leader of the group. Then he added,
56 MebeJcah,
" Peace be also unto thee, thou beloved of the Lord, and unto thy noble daughter."
The demonstrations of joy which followed these greetings, afforded a true illustration of the high re gard which the early Christians had for each other, and of the brotherly love which so often amazed Christ's enemies in times of persecution.
The group was composed of a few of the leading Christians from different parts of the city, most of whom were Jews, and the rest Romans and Greeks. A few of them had families, whom they had left at home, thinking that they were safe, at least for a time. The others were slaves who had no homes of their own. They had overtaken each other at dif ferent points along the Via Appia, and had travelled together the rest of the way. Others followed them at different intervals, singly and in groups of three or more, Apelles being among the last to arrive. Although living in various parts of the city, and separated into groups of five or more for the purpose of aggressive Christian work, they all were members of the same Church ; and although belonging to dif ferent nationalities, and differing widely in social position and rank, they manifested none of those jealousies and prejudices which marked some of the churches of the East, and led to so many dissensions.
At daybreak, thinking it unsafe to remain where they were any longer, each followed Apelles into the interior of the sand-pits, with lighted torches and supplies of food and clothing. Apelles was quite familiar with the place, having often been sent there for pozzolana. The quarter into which he led his companions was an abandoned sand-pit about a third of a mile from the entrance, and which was reached by a circuitous route intersected by several passages. His reasons for choosing this spot were, that its loca tion made discovery improbable ; that it afforded room enough for all; and that there were several avenues of escape at hand in case of necessity. In other respects it was no better than the other sand-
The Sand-Pits. 57
pits, dampness being especially noticeable. Realizing this fact Apelles said to his fellow-Christians:
44 To inform you, brethren, that we have not come to a palace, or that these heaps of sand are not richly embroidered divans is unnecessary. We have not come here for ease and comfort, but for safety. Nor are we the first to seek refuge from persecution in the dark places of the earth. Let me remind you of the patriarch David, who when pursued by Saul hid in the cave of Adullam; and of the hundred men whom Obadiah hid in a cave in the time of the prophet Elijah. To be in discomfort with a con science void of offense is far better than to fare sumptuously with a guilty conscience."
44 Thou speakest truly," said Herodion approvingly.
44 The persecuted, though in the bowels of the earth, can say with the Psalmist of old, 4 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be re moved, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled ; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.' "
44 Having this assurance, brethren, it behooves us to render thanksgiving unto God. Let us offer unto him the sacrifice of our hearts."
Thus spoke the man who had returned the greet ing of Herodion at the entrance of the sand-pits, and all complied with the request.
At the close of the devotions, Apelles, with the prudence of a true general, modestly remarked, 44 Brethren, the promise of divine protection does not excuse human carelessness. Had your forefathers neglected to sprinkle their door-posts with the blood of the paschal lamb their first-born had not been spared. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the tower of our strength; yet we must be the watchmen in that tower."
44 Thy words are the fruit of wisdom," said the same voice that had suggested prayer. 44 He who
58 RebeTcah.
waits patiently and wisely on the Lord, shall never be confounded. But the fool's trust is presumption, and ends in death."
The reasonableness of the suggestion thus approved was apparent to all, and a system of vigilance was instituted under the management of Apelles, who proved himself worthy of the trust. Other arrange ments followed relative to the general welfare, at the conclusion of which each Christian sought to make himself as comfortable as possible.
Rebekah and her father occupied a small recess on the eastern side of the sand-pit, near the entrance. This they made to look as homelike as they could ; yet how little did it seem like home to them, after all. The contrast was painful in the extreme to Rebekah as she sat watching a large torch in front of her, from which an unbroken column of smoke extended in a series of curls towards the roof ; but she gave no expression to her thoughts. Presently a footstep aroused her from her abstraction, and Apelles entered the recess.
" Ah ! it is thou, good friend," said Herodion. " Thou are welcome to this, our new home. It is not as cheerful as we would have it; yet it is far better than the lion's den or the fiery furnace."
" Thou mightest add that it is not worse than the birth-place of our Lord, and that it is far better than the tomb in which the Prince of Glory lay," was the reply. " But I came not to discuss the merits or demerits of your home, but to assure you of our safety. The guards are at their posts, and we can defy ten thousand Neros now as long as our provi sions last."
" Thou hast done well, Apelles, very well," said Herodion. " Nero will not molest us here ; at least he cannot capture us. Yet he may cause us to die of starvation by seizing those whom we shall send to secure provisions. We must not borrow trouble, however, but trust in the Lord and in our own wits."
The Sand-Pit*. 59
" If thou couldst see Priscus the centurion," said Rebekah, " he might give thee a few hints that would be of value to thee or anyone else who is to oversee those who shall be sent for supplies."
" Thou speakest truly ; yet if he have stronger sympathies for Rome than for the sand-pits, he may lay snares for us instead of helping us to avoid them," said Apelles, pretending to doubt the centurion's fidelity to their cause. " There are those who pat people on the back, smile in their faces, and, like Peter, profess that they will go with them to prison and into death, as long as the sun of prosperity shines ; but who when the clouds of adversity begin to gather find the society of others more congenial, and swear that they never knew their old friends."
" It is well for thee that the centurion's ears are too far away to catch thy words," said Rebekah with flushed cheeks, failing to see the waggish expression on Apelles' face, on account of the darkness. " When the moon can with justice question the light-giving power of the sun, then, O Apelles, and not till then, canst thou accuse Priscus of infidelity."
" Ha, ha ! thou at least canst be trusted, O fair daughter of Herodion," said the slave smilingly, as he moved away. "May God bless thee and thy father — and Priscus."
One or two other visits from some of their com panions in distress brought the experiences of our friends' first day in the sand-pits to an end. The next day was Sunday, which had already been gen erally adopted by Christ's followers as the Christian Sabbath. It was a beautiful day. The sun rose in all the glory of his strength, and Nature robed in her summer garments, greeted him with her sweetest smile. | In the gardens of Rome the roses blushed and the lilies bent their heads coquettishly at the ap pearance of every bright ray ; and the birds poured their rapturous melody into the ear of the sweet zephyr that joyously played among the leaves. None of this charming beauty, however, cheered the sand-
60 Hebekah.
pits. There summer and winter were alike unknown. Not a single ray of solar light ever penetrated their dark recesses. Their grim walls never looked upon a single flower or blade of grass. Their echo was never disturbed by the songs of birds. Their cheer less aspect was better suited, to magnify the terrors of guilt and to awaken the fiends of remorse than to inspire a spirit of devotion and to kindle religious zeal.
Yet nowhere was that holy Sabbath day more heartily welcomed than in that dingy hiding-place. While it was greeted by no natural beauty, it was hailed by something infinitely more precious in the sight of heaven — the beauty of holiness ! This beauty is ever anxious to commune with its native heaven. Therefore at the usual hour for morning worship the Christian fugitives assembled near a small heap of sand in the centre of the sand-pit which served as their common home. Upon this sand-heap sat An- dronicus the presbyter, who like Herodion was one of Paul's kinsmen. His features were decidedly Jewish ; his snowy hair and beard indicated at least seventy years of life ; and the intellectual cast of his face denoted a keen, active mind. Near him, on the right sat Herodion ; on the left, Apelles, each serving in the capacity of deacon. Seated on the ground in front of them, and arranged according to sex and age, were the rest of the worshipers. In the ab sence of chandeliers, four men were stationed at certain intervals to hold the lights.
The order of service was simple. The presbyter read that rich chapter in Isaiah which commences with, " Comfort ye, comfort ye, niy people, saith your God." Then the Psalm beginning with that grand verse, " He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty," was sung in a very effective manner by one of the brethren, the congregation joining in the last line of each verse. The rest of the service con sisted of remarks by Herodion and Apelles, a homily
Friend and Foe. 61
by the presbyter, a prayer followed by the Lord's Kiss, and another prayer followed by the administra tion of the Lord's Supper, of which the men and women partook standing in two separate ranks ac cording to sex, and praying secretly.
At the close of the meeting the small Christian band, with hearts filled with heavenly joy, greeted each other with encouraging words, and urged each other to be strong in the Lord. The remainder of the day was spent in a manner most becoming its sacredness.
CHAPTER IX.
FRIEND AND FOE.
WITH the brightness of another day came the usual bustle and confusion into the busy streets of Rome. Vehicles, beasts of burden, men and women, soldiers and civilians, natives and foreigners, bond and free, in confused masses flooded every thorough fare and poured in and out at every gate. Owing to the test to which all who left the city were subjected by reason of Nero's secret order, the gates were far more crowded than usual. Especially was this true of the Porta Capena, through which passed the Via Appia — the oldest and most frequented road in Italy. Conspicuous, although not the most elegant, among the vehicles that sought passage out of the gate, was a sand-cart drawn by one horse, which was driven by a man dressed in the garb of a laborer, and seated on a large box in the cart.
" Art thou a Christian ? " asked an official, ap proaching the driver.
" The gods of Rome have never seen me bow down to Christus," was the evasive reply.
" Art thou a lover of the gods ? "
" Caesar never loved them more."
" Pass on, Next."
62 Eebekah.
The driver obeyed, and as he passed out of the gate he said to himself:
" Ha, ha, he took my allusion to the blindness of the gods for a denial of Christ, and my reference to Nero's love for devotion to the gods ! I shall never break the first commandment again if my love for the gods exceed not that of Caesar."
He was prevented from further reflection by a harsh voice asking,
" Wilt thou favor me with a ride, friend ? "
The driver recognizing the voice, turned in the direction of the speaker, and saw Demetrius, the slave who fired Herodion's house, beside the cart. His first impulse was to refuse, but a second thought induced him to grant his request. As the slave seated himself beside the driver, he remarked,
" Thou art going to the arenarise, art thou not? "
" Ay," was the laconic reply.
" Thou hast more courage than I have to venture there alone," he continued, shrugging his shoulders, and affecting fear.
" Why should I need courage ? demons are too busily engaged in the city to haunt the caves."
" Thou art mistaken, friend, the are n arias are full of incarnate demons, for such I regard the Christians who have fled there."
"It were indeed a serious matter to go among them, if all thou sayest were true."
" Dost thou doubt my word ? Surely thou art either ignorant of their tricks or art one of them."
" My doubt has no father but ignorance. Dispel the one, the other will depart."
" Perpol ! Lend me thine ear, then, and mark well my words. In the observance of a holy rite, the Christians commit crimes which evil spirits can not witness without a blush. They choose a child of tender age, to whom life is scarcely an acquaintance and death is an utter stranger, and plucking it from its mother's breast, they lay it on a table. Then pro voking it to smile, an elder plunges a knife into its
Friend and Fob. 63
young heart, while the rest gather around him to saturate their bread with the blood. The soul is hardly free ere the innocent victim is cooked and eaten. At the close of the feast, dogs are allured upon the tables that they may, by upsetting the lamps, put out the light, preparatory to the incestu ous practices which follow. Need I tell thee more ? "
While the slave spoke the driver's features worked in a threatening manner. He knew that the eharge to which he listened was the invention of Christ's enemies, and was as baseless as it was infamous. He felt strongly inclined to punish the base slanderer at his side ; but prudence stayed his hand. Therefore when the slave paused, he simply ejaculated,
" The wretches ! Go on ! "
Demetrius misinterpreting .both the expression on the driver's face and his ejaculation, proceeded witha triumphant air:
" Ha, ha ! thou art beginning to see with the eyes of a true Roman. Let me assist thee to further light. These monsters of wickedness call the gods demons ; refuse to offer sacrifices both to them and to Csesar ; denounce the public games ; violate every law ; and bring upon us many terrible calamities. The black ened ruins which everywhere in Rome stare at ua like the ghosts of departed glory and magnificence, constantly remind us of their atrocious deeds ; and the just retribution which has now overtaken them betokens the vengeance of the gods. By Pluto, if I had the insight of Jupiter and the strength of Her cules, I would soon put an end to them all, and rid Rome of a great nuisance."
Perceiving that any attempt on his part to show the absurdity of these charges, or to resent the insults thus heaped upon the Christians would inevitably interfere with his plans and needlessly imperil his life ; and desiring to know if possible on what mis chief Demetrius was now bent, the driver turned to wards him and with feigned admiration said,
64 Eebekah.
" Caesar is no longer himself, if he has not set thee on the trail of his game."
" Hercle ! Nor would he be likely to catch any of his game were his hounds too fond of barking."
"Ha, ha! it is unnecessary for some of them to bark ; their sneaking manner betrays them."
"Nor does a workman's garb and false beard change a centurion into a hauler of sand," retorted the slave with a significant grin. Then after a short pause he continued, " Come now, Prisons, take off thy mask. I know thy motives. Thou art in love with Herodion's daughter, as I once was with Herodion's money. If thy treasure were plucked from thy hands as thou didst pluck that casket from mine, thy interest in the Christians would soon change into hatred."
This unexpected turn in the conversation tended to confuse the centurion at first, but he soon regained his self-possession. He was partly amused and partly offended at the view which the slave took of his motives. Therefore, turning to him, he said,
" I appreciate thy sagacity, but reject thy philoso^ phy. To be a good hunter is not to be a good phi losopher ; for even a good hunter may follow his game too near a precipice."
" And a wolf in sheep's clothing may be led with the sheep to the slaughter," retorted the slave, still clinging to his doubt in regard to the centurion's sincerity, and hinting at a possible danger.
They had now reached the road leading to the sand-pits ; and the conversation ceased, each follow ing a different course from this point. Neither was sorry at the separation, for each regarded the other with distrust.
Reaching the entrance to the sand-pits, Priscus alighted from the cart, and lighting a torch, led the horse to the interior. Coming to the point where the main passage branched off into minor passages, he found himself in a dilemma. He listened, but no sounds greeted his ear. He peered first into one passage
Friend and Foe. 65
then into another, but he saw nothing but gloom. He examined the ground, but without any satisfactory result. At last, when almost discouraged, his eye caught a sudden glimmer of light in one of the pas sages on the right, and he exclaimed,
" Ho, there ! "
Receiving no reply, he again shouted,
" Ho, there ! If thou art a Christian, respond."
This time a voice demanded in stentorian tones, " Who art thou, and what dost thou want? "
" A friend, who wishes to see Herodion."
" Come this way, then, friend."
These words were spoken by one of the guards, who, together with another, had seen Priscus enter the main passage, and had sought concealment to await further development. Arriving at the spot where the light had appeared, Priscus found himself in the presence of one of Servius's slaves who, failing to recognize him, examined him very closely.
" What ! thou here, Atticus," said the centurion, in a voice that startled the guard.
" Who art thou ? — thou canst not be — ay, thou art Priscus," replied Atticus, with much apprehension, as he held the light to Priscus's face.
" Thou needst have no fear ; I shall do thee no harm," was the assuring remark.
" Thou hast come with no evil design, then ? "
" Thou hast my word for it. Lead on."
Being reassured, the guard, putting his left hand to one side of his mouth, exclaimed,
" Ho, Hermes ! "
" Is there peace ? " asked a voice in an adjoining passage.
" Peace," the guard replied. Then added, " Keep watch in the main passage until I return."
" Thy bidding shall be done." was the quick re sponse.
" The Lord be with thee ! "
" And with thee ! "
Atticus now led the way to the desired place, fol-
66 llebekah.
lowed by Pilscus driving the horse and cart amidst the clatter of hoofs and wheels, which awakened a thousand echoes in the sand-pits on either side.
The unusual noise thus produced attracted the at tention of the refugees some time before the cause of it arrived, and no little curiosity and excitement pre vailed among them. When the cart stopped in front of Herodion's quarter, all flocked around the guard and the driver, plying them with all manner of ques tions. Priscus, however, soon restored them to order, and persuaded them to return to their places by promising that Herodion should tell them all he knew of public interest.
Not the least excited and curious in the crowd were Rebekah and her father. The latter failing to recognize the centurion, whispered to his daughter,
"Who is he, and what does he seek? "
To which Rebekah replied, with some embarrass ment, " I — I think he is our friend Priscus."
" That fellow, Priscus ? Surely thou art mistaken, Rebekah," said Herodion aloud.
"May she never make a greater mistake," remarked Priscus, approaching them and removing his disguise. Then, after exchanging warm greetings with his friends, he continued, addressing Rebekah,
" A lily were no more out of place in a dungeon than you here."
" Nor would a ray of light be more welcome in such a place than the face of a friend here," Rebekah laughingly replied.
" I fear the dampness of this cold, cheerless place may not agree with your health."
" True, it is not so comfortable as your sister's house, but we might have fared worse. ' Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and trouble therewith.' '
" Since you cannot at present return to my sister's house, I have decided to add to your comfort where you are," said Priscus, pointing to the cart. Then turning to Herodion, he continued,
Friend and Foe. 67
" Thy assistance for a moment, friend."
It took them but a short time to convey the box, already mentioned, to the recess, and to remove the cover. It contained, besides clothing and two large rugs, a fair supply of provisions. Our friends wit nessed these things with much pleasure, and their gratitude knew no bounds. The scanty supply which they had brought with them was all but exhausted, and they were wondering, when Priscus arrived, whether it was God's will to add hunger to the list of their trials. Under such circumstances it was not strange that they should feel elated. Besides, they had heard nothing from the outside world since their flight, Priscus being the first to visit them. Availing himself of this opportunity, Herodion addressed his friend, saying,
" Since thou hast been so kind to us, permit me to tax thy goodness still further by inquiring into the condition of things in the city. Though I have no kindred there, the welfare of my brethren and sisters in Christ is very dear to me."
" What I have to tell you, noble friends, will but add to the bitterness of your cup. Hence it is with reluctance I comply with your request. Your fears when last I saw you were not groundless. The mon ster who calls himself the Lord of Rome, knowing no pity, respecting no law, revels in a carnival of blood shed. The sun has but twice run his course since the sentence of death was passed on all Christians and their abettors; yet victims not a few, subjected to the most horrible torments for the amusement of the populace, have sealed their faith with death. Saturday, when Nero was informed of your escape, his fury knew no bounds ; and yesterday he wreaked the full measure of his wrrath upon those who con fessed tHeir faith in Christ, before a crowded amphi theatre. Among his victims was a beautiful maiden about Rebekah's age."
" Did you learn her name ? " interrupted Rebekah.
68 Eebekah.
" Irene, I think they called her — Irene, the daugh ter of Persis."
A sudden outburst of emotion followed this an nouncement, the martyred maiden being Rebekah's most intimate friend.
" She died a heroine's death," continued Priscus after a pause. " When, covered with bear's skin, she was being torn to pieces by ferocious dogs in the arena, she ceased not to pray for her persecutors, and to exhort those who partook of the same fate to re main steadfast in the faith, until her spirit took its flight. Near her lay an old man, also sewn up in the skin of a wild beast, who, though enfeebled and emaciated with a lingering disease, had been merci lessly dragged to the arena to suffer with the rest."
"Ah! it was the venerable and godly Epenetus. May he rest in peace,'* broke in Herodion with a sigh. Then after a pause he asked, "Kuowest thou the names of the others ? "
" None except that of Quintus the decurion."
" Ah ! I feared he would be among the victims, for he was a true Christian. Thinkest thou the persecu tion will last long ? "
"Ay; for hundreds of the rabble, stimulated by the offer of great rewards, and maddened by their thirst for blood, search every street and house for Christians. One of them, the base destroyer of your house, rode with me this morning in the cart. His face was toward Aricia, whither, no doubt, he was attracted by the hope "of securing more victims."
" Did you escape his recognition ? " inquired Rebekah apprehensively.
" No ; his prying eyes detected my disguise."
" Did he also discover your mission ? "
" He discovered my destination, but not my mission."
" Ah, then you are in his toils ! "
"If he knew me as I know him, my fate indeed were sealed. But he judges me by himself ; hence I fear no harm from him."
" Out of Darkness into Light'' 69
" God grant that thou be not mistaken," said Herodion earnestly. "But to return to the general feature of the subject, dost thou think the persecu tion will extend to the Jewish provinces ? "
" Not at present, if at all."
"Then thinkest thou it safe for us to go to Csesarea? We should have gone there instead of seeking refuge here had we been assured of safety."
" The greatest danger lies between the city and Appii Forum. Your journey hence to Puteoli would be more secure."
" Dost thou think thy strength and courage equal to this long and perilous journey, Rebekah? "
" What ! surely thou dost not expect thy daughter to walk to Puteoli ! " said Priscus with surprise.
" Canst thou suggest a better way then, friend ? "
The centurion did not answer this question imme diately, but knitting his brow he seemed to merge into deep thought. When his answer came, it caused the faces of his friends to light up with pleasure. What the answer was will appear in due time.
A few hours later Priscus returned to the city with a load of sand.
CHAPTER X.
"OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT."
THE sun was disappearing for the fourth time be low the horizon since Priscus's visit to the sand-pit, when Rebekah and her father, with a mingled feeling of disappointment and anxiety, sat conversing in their dingy quarter.
" Dost thou think he will come to-night, father ? " inquired Rebekah.
" I cannot tell, my child. He came not last night ; he may not come to-night," was her father's
reply. "Tl
linkest thou that — that any evil has befallen
70 Rebekah.
him ? He is a man of his word, and does not disap point us willingly."
" His undertaking is an important one, Rebekah. He may have met with unforseen difficulties. Let us hope that he is safe, and that God, for the sake of his Anointed, will grant him success."
" Patience is a hard lesson to learn, father."
"It is; and but few have ever learned it well. Forty years were our fathers in the wilderness, and forty years did they tempt God with their murmur- ings. Moses, the meekest of men, by one impatient act, forfeited his right to the Land of Promise ; and Saul, our first king, by rashness lost his kingdom. When God tries our faith, it is ours to wait for the hour of deliverance. I read here in the fortieth Psalm the experience o£ Israel's greatest king : fc I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings, and hath put a new song in my mouth.' What God has done,
he can do again. May He give us faith and .
What dost thou hear?"
" I thought I heard the sound of footsteps. There it is again ! "
" I hear it now. It must be Priscus."
"It is ; I hear his voice. Some one is with him," said Rebekah cheerfully. But a cloud spread over her countenance as she added, "Ah, what if his plans are frustrated?"
" Where is thy faith, Rebekah, where is thy faith ? Borrow honey and not wormwood, hope and not de spair from the future."
By this time Priscus had reached the sand-pit, which, after dismissing his guide, he entered.
" Peace to thee, O noble centurion, and to all thy kindred," said Herodion, as Priscus entered the re cess ; and Rebekah echoed the greeting.
" To thee be also peace, good Herodion, and to thy fair daughter," was the prompt reply.
" Out of Darkness into Light:' 71
44 1 hope my failure to appear at the time appointed has not caused you much pain," continued the cen turion.
" Our fear for your safety has heen greater than our disappointment," replied Rebekah.
" Your fear was not groundless ; for I narrowly es caped death last night."
" Ah, the monster had you in his toils ! "
" Oh, no ; not that. My danger had another source. As we approached the Forum on our way here, a drunken slave, as careless of the road as he was of our lives, drove into our rheda, his heavy carriage tearing off the left hind-wheel, and crushing in the side. Our horses, terrified by the noise, became unmanageable, and ran away, killing the driver, and cutting a deep gash in Servius's head. I, thank God, escaped almost without a bruise."
"It was a terrible accident ! I hope thy brother-in- law is not dead," said Herodion.
" He is not dead, but will recover soon. He is much better to-night."
" And you — you are sure you have not been badly hurt," faltered Rebekah, with some misgiving that Priscus had concealed the real extent of his injury.
" Oh no. What I received was a mere scratch. But to continue my narrative ; having run among the ruins at the foot of the Cselian Hill, the horses, trem bling, stopped. The rest I need not tell you. Suffice it to say that a rheda with two horses awaits you out side."
" God is good to us. He will not forget this kind service," said Rebekah with tears in her eyes.
" Blessed is he that considereth the weak : the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble," was Herodion 's apt quotation, as he tightened his girdle, and fixed his eyes on the centurion's face.
As most of the preparations had already been made, it took but a short time for our friends to get ready to start. Before they started, however, their compan ions in adversity gathered to bid them God-speed, and
72 Rebekah,
the most touching scene followed — a scene in which joy and sorrow played a prominent part. All rejoiced with Herodion and Rebekah that they were about to leave their dismal abode ; and also regretted that they had to part, and that the deliverance was not general. Such expressions as, " May God be with you," and " God's will be done," were frequently repeated. When all demonstrations of friendship and love ceased, Priscus and his friends departed, preceded by two of the others, while the rest looked after them with sorrowful hearts and tearful eyes.
The centurion walked beside Rebekah, and Hero- dian, divining the desires of the young couple, soon made some excuse for joining the other two. Glad of so favorable an opportunity to give expression to the burning passion which Rebekah had kindled in his soul, Priscus now surrendered himself to her in a very unsoldierlike manner. And Rebekah like the true maiden that she was, accepted what her heart had al ready taught her was indispensable to her happiness.
We will not attempt to describe that first inter change of love, and of loving expressions and confi dences, because language can never express what the heart feels on such an occasion, and because such an event is far too sacred to be subjected — even if that were possible — to the scrutiny of an uninterested pen. Suffice it to say that they were so happy that their subterranean walk appeared far too short.
Reaching the place where the rheda stood, Re bekah and her father took leave of the two friends that had accompanied them and Priscus, and seating themselves with the centurion in the carriage, they were driven away from the sand-pits. It was a beau tiful night ; the stars twinkling brightly in the clear sky as they did on the night in which they left Servius's house. At first Rebekah was delighted with the evening and the ride. But gradually the thought that the four-wheeled vehicle which now carried them away from the sand-pits would soon bear her away from Priscus, gained the ascendancy over every other
" Out of Darkness into Light" 73
thought. True, he was with her now, and she could catch a glimpse of his handsome but sunburnt face by the starlight ; yet the expectation of a speedy separa tion marred the happiness that would otherwise have been complete.
When the junction of the sand-pit road with the Via Appia was reached the act of parting lent addi tional force to the thought. But each sought conso lation in the hope of being reunited in the near future.
A crack of the driver's whip caused the horses, which were unsurpassed even by Nero's horses, to start off at a rapid rate, and our friends sought in vain to catch another glimpse of the centurion. The tomb-lined portion of the Via Appia had been left far in the rear, and the plain of Bovillse was reached ere either of them addressed a word to the other. Herodion think ing at last that it might be well to introduce a sub ject which was entirely foreign to that which was uppermost in their minds, aroused himself and said,
" Did I ever tell thee, Rebekah, about this most ancient of Roman ways ? "
" I think not, father," said Rebekah absently.
" Since it is our way to safety, it may be well for me to tell thee all I know about it. It was com menced by Appius Claudius Ctecus, and was the first of the Roman ways ever laid upon a large scale and according to the most approved methods. In its con struction a large amount of money and labor was ex pended, the irregularities of the country making it necessary to bridge many ravines, to fill up many hollows, to cut through many hills and rocks, and to bank up many swamps. Were I less acquainted with the meaning of the Scriptures, I would be inclined to think that Isaiah spoke of the Via Appia when he said, " Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low ; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain." As thou seest, it is perfectly smooth — far more smooth than the streets of Jerusalem, but not so sacred nor so dear."
74 Rebekah.
Rebekah tried to listen to her father's words ; but her mind constantly recurred to Prise us ; hence she knew as little about the road upon which they traveled as if her father had not spoken. Herodion seemed to realize this, for during the ascent of six miles to Aricia he maintained almost absolute silence. When they had passed the town, which was situated above the road, he again tried to arouse himself and Rebekah.
" Didst thou see those base fellows looking down upon us as we passed through Aricia?" said he.
u Yes," was the laconic reply.
" Had they known who and what we are, I fear our journey would have ended far too soon, and per haps our lives also."
" Ah ! that would have been terrible ! " said Re bekah with a shudder.
" Ay," continued Herodion ; " but thanks to the darkness, or rather to Him who causes darkness as well as light, they doubtless thought we were wealthy Romans on our way home from the city."
" I have no desire to be other than I am," was the rather cheerful reply ; " but I have no objection at present to being taken even for a Philistine if that be necessary to our safety."
" At the rapid rate we are now going we shall soon be where we can breathe more freely. Meanwhile, what ails thee ? "
" I hear a strange sound," said Rebekah apprehen sively. " Dost thou not hear it ? "
Before Herodion had time to reply, the driver brought the horses to a sudden stop, and said hur riedly.
" We are being pursued ! A troop of horse is on our track, else I am greatly mistaken as to the mean ing of that heavy tramping and that clatter of arms."
" In God's name, hurry on, then," said Herodion, much alarmed, " Give them the whip, good Ancus ; spare them not."
" Out of Darkness into Light* 75
Scarcely had the last word dropped from Hero- dion's lips ere the driver sent his whip writhing and hissing over the backs of the horses, and while they bounded forward like startled deer he remarked, with a smile of disdain,
" Let them come ; they must outstrip the best horses in Rome ere they overtake us. I would, how ever, that we had left these plagued hills behind. Come Castor ! now Pollux! show your mettle to our pursuers."
The spirited steeds now dashed forth at their highest speed across the crater-like valley lying beyond Aricia, and climbed up and down the south ern slope of the Alban Mount amidst beautiful villas and gardens, and places of historic interest. The faster they sped, however, the more did the horse men seem to gain on them, and the more excited did Rebekah and her father become.
" Urge them on, good Ancus ; urge them on ! We must go faster, else we are as good as dead," exclaimed Herodion.
"Were we pursued by a thousand fiends I would not urge them into greater speed. I am less anxious to go into Hades than to Tres Tabernse, and so are you, if I mistake not," said the driver doggedly.
" Thou hast changed thy mind, Ancus," said Rebekah. " Either thy horses are not the best in Rome, or thou art not our friend. In either case our safety lies in leaving the rheda ere our pursuers over take us. I command thee then to stop at once that we may alight."
" The horses and myself must vindicate our char acter another time, good lady, since Fortune has not sent us light enough for fast traveling. Meanwhile we must do according to thy command, but on the condition that thou and thy father wait for our re turn."
It took but a moment for Herodion and Rebekah to alight ; but they did so none too soon ; for as the rheda sped away again the horsemen galloped around
76 . Uebekah.
a turn in the road, and rushed madly after it. Our friends were terribly frightened at their approach ; but as they had withdrawn into a by-way the horse men continued their course utterly unconscious of their presence. They listened in absolute silence un til the clatter of the horses' feet on the pavement and of arms had almost died away in the distance ; then the sudden cessation of all noise caused a cry of pain to escape from each of them, for they realized that the rheda was at last overtaken. While they be took themselves a little farther from the road, as a precaution against capture in case the troop should return, they heard the noise again, but as it grew fainter every moment, they surmised that the pur suers continued in the direction of Tres Tabernse, and heaved a sigh of relief. There being no im mediate danger, and feeling much exhausted, they seated themselves on the ground, and began think ing what to do next.
At length the sound of a vehicle attracted their attention ; but as there was much travel on the Via Appia they did not fully realize that it was the rheda which they had deserted returning for them, until it stopped and they heard a signal from the driver. Then, with a mingled feeling of hope and fear, they retraced their steps to the road, and thanking the driver warmly for his fidelity, they were soon pur suing their old course. But they were not perfectly reassured until they heard all that had happened to him after they left the rheda.
" We were fools — thy pardon, good lady for using the term," said the driver, settling himself in his seat as the horses proceeded at a moderate gait ; " we were all fools to be so alarmed while there was no real cause for it."
" Thou art certainly mistaken there, my Ancus," said Herodion, interrupting him. " We never had any cause of alarm if we did not to-night."
" Ha, ha ! I also thought so until the horsemen overtook me. But when I learned that they were m
"Out of Darkness into Light" 77
pursuit of one of Rome's most wealthy citizens, who, suspecting that Caesar loved him less than his posses sions, escaped from the imperial city about the time we started, I was far from being on good terms with myself."
" Then they thought the rheda they so vigorously pursued contained the wealthy Roman?" said Re bekah.
" Ay ; some of the loafers who saw us drive past Aricia had hinted to them that our horses sped far too fast to be driven by innocent persons."
" So those sons of Belial did think we were wealthy Romans after all, Rebekah," remarked Herodion ; " but instead of regarding us as returning from the city, they surmised that we were fleeing from it. But go on, Ancus. Was not the horsemen's suspi cion aroused when they saw the rheda empty ? "
" Perpol ! you would have thought so had you seen their menaces. Nor could I for a long time convince them that the object of their pursuit was much farther from my knowledge than their swords were from my head.- I told them that I belonged to the house of Servius — which is perfectly true — and that I had been dispatched to Puteoli to fetch a favorite surgeon to dress my master's wounds, which also might be true."
"Thou shouldst not depart from the truth, good friend, even to escape from a difficulty," remonstrated Rebekah.
" True ; but if Truth's arm be not long enough to pluck one from a predicament, he must creep out as best he can, even though it be through the crevice of deceit."
" I agree not with thee there. He should tell the truth and trust in God."
" Then I should have told those blood-hounds that two Christians had just deserted the rheda, and thus set them on the trail of a game of another sort! Your Christian philosophy may work well in peace-
78 Rebekah.
ful and easy circumstances ; but in such straits as I have been in to-night it fails utterly."
" If our philosophy be not Adequate to the emer gencies of life, there is none that is. But tell us about the fruits of thy philosophy. Was the com mander of the horse satisfied with thy explanation? "
" No, not at first ; but presently one of his men came to my assistance by saying that he knew I was one of Servius's servants, and that what I said must be true, since it is known to the whole city that my master has met with a severe accident. Then the commander started off at the head of the troop, mutter ing something about having wasted so much time with 'that confounded slave', and I soon found it safe to return for you."
"Dost thou know what course they intended to pursue from here?" asked Herodion.
"No; but I heard one of the horsemen say some thing about going to Antium."
" I hope they have gone there, for I have no desire to be molested by them again," remarked Rebekah.
Here the conversation dropped, as they were enter ing Tres Tabernse, and the next instant they stopped before one of the inns which gave the place its name, and sought the refreshment which they and the horses so much needed.
Rebekah was sleeping soundly after her long and exciting ride, when her father, with an alarmed look on his face, startled her with the hurried words,
" Awake, my daughter ! awake ! We must leave this place at once !"
" Ah ! I thought I heard them come ! "
"Who?"
" Those bloodthirsty horsemen."
" Thou art mistaken, my daughter ; our danger has another source. I fear that Demetrius the slave knows we are here ! "
" What ! he that destroyed our house ! "
"The same. I caught a glimpse of his hateful countenance through that door but a moment since."
u Out of Darkness into Light. '* 79
4 Then let us flee for our lives ! Tell Ancus to make ready at once ! "
" All is ready. Come, follow me, and let thy tread be as light as the dawn upon the mountain."
Their effort to reach the carriage in silence was not successful, for as they threaded their way through the darkness they stumbled over half a dozen objects, and set all the dogs in the neighborhood barking. It seemed to them an age before they were seated in the rlieda, and as they drove away they imagined that their heart-beats were far louder than the clatter of the horses' hoofs. In their excitement they also thought they were pursued nearly all the way to Appii Forum. For the next fifteen miles to Terra- cina, however, they felt more reassured, owing partly to the increasing distance from Rome, and partly to the exhilarating effect of the morning sun.
On arriving at Terracina they made another stop, this time at the house of a Christian friend ; and they did not start again until sunset the next day, which was Sunday. Like all the early Christians they were very strict in their observance of the Lord's day, and many modern Christians would do well to profit by their example.
Resuming their journey they passed through many places of interest, and among them Formise, whose long street, beautiful bay, and attractive villas and gardens combined to make it a favorite retreat for noble Romans. Herodion regretted that Rebekah could not see its beauty on account of the darkness ; but he pointed out to her the spot where Cicero had been murdered by some of Antony's soldiers. He did not fail to call her attention to Miiituwise also, as a city that had been rendered famous by the valiant deeds of Marius's mature life. As their journey was now free from alarming experiences, Rebekah was in a good mood to listen to her father's interesting remarks.
In due time they reached Puteoli, where they received a hearty welcome at the house of Aristobu- lus, one of Paul's particular friends.
80 Rebekah.
CHAPTER XL
AN UNEXPECTED DELAY.
IN the cool of the evening, as the driver pursued his journey homeward with a letter from Rebekah to Priscus, the former sat conversing with one of Aris- tobulus's daughters in the guest chamber.
" Hast thou ever seen the imperial city ? " asked Rebekah.
" No," was the reply ; " and if report be true — as it must be, seeing that thou and thy father are living witnesses of it — I am not anxious to mingle with its inhabitants."
"All Romans are not of Nero's mold."
" Oh, no ; I have seen one noble exception. Know- est thou Paul the Apostle? "
"He is my uncle; therefore not a Roman."
"Thy uncle! I knew he was not a Roman; but when he staid here on his way to Rome he was under the charge of a centurion called Julius Priscus, a Roman of no mean qualities. Dost thou know him? "
"No; but the name sounds familiar."
"The last day Paul was here, the centurion ate bread with us, and as he took his leave he turned to me and laughingly said, ' Could I renew my youth as I can my youthful recollections, fair maiden, I would try to steal thy heart. But I have a son who may perform that feat.' '
" The son may not be equal to the father," said Rebekah with a smile.
" According to thy father, the younger Priscus is the more excellent of the two," was the significant reply.
"Are there no noble Romans in Puteoli?"
" None that I have seen."
" The excellence of some Jew may have caused thee to set thy standard too high."
An Unexpected Delay. 81
" Jews lose nothing by being compared with Romans," was the evasive reply.
This caused a short pause in the conversation, at the close of which the host's daughter remarked,
" I am sorry thou and thy father cannot stay longer with us. Can you not remain until the next ship arrives ? "
" Much as we would like to stay, I fear it would not be wisdom to let the ship which leaves to morrow go without us. As thou knowest, the autumnal storms must soon set in," said Rebekah.
" Why not stay until spring ? Our city is not so famous or important as Rome, nor as beautiful as Csesarea ; yet it is not without its attractions."
" I care not for the attractions of the city so much as for thy company and thy sister's. Since the per secution has deprived me of my old companions, I have felt like a bird that has lost its mate."
Rebekah was favorably impressed with her new acquaintance, and she continued to converse with her until after sunset. When the maiden was gone she reclined upon a divan near the window and began to think of Priscus. She summoned before her mind in rapid succession each of the strange experiences through which she had lately passed, and found her lover either directly or indirectly associated with them all.
" Ah ! " said she to herself, " how fortunate that we became acquainted with him when we did. Doubt less I should have perished with the servants had he not come to my rescue ; and how kind it was of him to find shelter for us in his sister's home, and to aid our escape here ! Would that I could see him once more. How I used to enjoy his manly presence ; how his words made my heart thrill ! But I fear we shall not meet again soon. Rome is far from here ; how much farther from Csesarea ! Can it be that God has brought us together only to be separated forever when our acquaintance was just ripening into friend-
82 RebekaJi.
ship ? All ! I cannot belieye it ; something tells me we shall meet again ! "
While she indulged in these reflections she knew not that she was soon to pass through an other crisis ; nor did her father, when he promised to awaken her early next morning, imagine that another sorrow was about to overtake him ; yet such was the fact. During the night Rebekah was seized with a malig nant fever, which threatened to upset all their plans and blight all their earthly hopes forever.
We can better imagine than describe the feelings of Herodion as he witnessed the delirium of his beloved daughter, and watched the struggle between her flickering life and the raging disease. One moment he was almost overwhelmed with despair; the next, he consoled himself with the thought that He who had brought them thus far on their journey would not separate them now. Thus he vacillated between hope and fear day after day, until the physi cian declared the crisis had passed.
" How sudden do our sorrows overtake us," said he, addressing his host, u and how dark the sky of our hopes looks when the clouds of affliction are hovering above us. When we came under thy hospitable roof our future seemed clear and bright, and our faith was strong. But another day revealed how changeable our lives are, and how weak our hearts."
" Thou speakest truly," was the reply. " In the hour of prosperity we forget that we are dust. Our courage seems boundless, and our expectations soar like eagles far above the clouds of earth. If for a moment we glance at possible difficulties they appear in the distance like mole-hills and not like mountains. But the hand of affliction is scarcely laid upon us ere our courage dies, and our expectations fall wingless to the lower parts of the earth. Our difficulties also assume infinite proportions, and the valley of the shadow of death is nigh."
" Yet the cup of sorrow makes the cup of joy more sweet," said Herodion. " It seems I never was so
An Unexpected Delay. 83
happy as I am now. My daughter is to me as one raised from the dead. Mary and Martha could not have been happier when our Lord brought their brother back to life than I am now. Ah ! I could not live without my darling child. She is the light of my life."
As he uttered the closing sentence he entered the sick-room, and rinding that Rebekah was asleep he stole to the bedside and fixed a loving gaze upon her face. Although she was very thin and pale, she never appeared more beautiful to him. She was the idol of his heart. Presently, as if she felt the gaze of her father, she awoke, and, greeting him with a smile, said,
" I feel much better to-day."
" God be praised, my child, for such good news," said Herodion.
" Dost thou think I shall recover before the tenth of Tishri?"
"I fear not, my daughter," was the answer.
" Then we cannot sail for Csesarea until spring."
" No; for after the autumnal storms begin, naviga tion will be unsafe in these seas."
" I am sorry, father, that my illness has interfered with thy plans."
" It is not thy fault, Rebekah ; it is no one's fault. The chastening of the Lord must needs come. Let us be thankful that the Lord's hand is not heavier upon us."
" I think some one seeks thee at the door, father."
" This is a propitious day for us, Rebekah," said Herodion, returning from the door with a letter in his hand. " This one is for thee. Knowest thou the seal ? " he added as he handed it to her.
"The seal is — is the centurion's, as is also the handwriting," she said with a smile as she broke the seal. Then returning the letter to her father she continued, " The message is mine, but being thy daughter thou shouldst share my secrets. Read ; J am a good listener."
84 Rebekah.
The letter commenced as follows :
" ROME, IY. KAL. SEPT.
" Priscus to Rebekah.
"O My Venus ! It was with a heavy heart and great fears I wrote the previous letter to thee. Ah, how could I feel happy when an angry blast threatened to blight the lily of my hopes, and to quench the bright light of my life ? But now I thank thy God and mine that the threatened evil has been thrust aside, and rejoice that thou art in a state of convalescence. My constant prayer is for thee. Sleep always finds me thinking of thee. Thou art the inspiration of my dreams ; and returning consciousness never comes without thoughts of thee. Had I the sandals which the nymphs gave Perseus, thou shouldst see me oft; or had I the prefect's permission, the fleetest horses in Rome should bear me to thee."
It was a long letter, and it continued to the end in the loving strain with which it commenced. As Rebekah listened to it her heart was thrilled with pleasure, and her eyes glistened with tears of joy. The words that she heard had a far better effect upon her than any medicine that her physician could pre scribe, and she looked forward with delight to the arrival of another letter.
Although her recovery was slow, she had gained enough strength at the end of two weeks from this time to be able to sit up in bed with the support of pillows. From the commencement of her sickness, her host and his family did all in their power to aid her recovery and to relieve her father from care and anxiety. It is not strange then that when the daugh ters of Aristobulus found that she was able to sit up, they persuaded Herodion to leave her in their charge for a while.
" How glad we are to find thee so well to-day," said the elder daughter as she arranged Rebekah's hair.
" And how delightful it will be to have thee and thy father stay with us till spring," added the younger as she sat watching her sister.
" The honey that Samson found in the vineyards of Timnath was not sweeter than your words are to me.
An Unexpected Delay. 85
But I fear I shall exhaust your patience before we take our departure," remarked Rebekah.
" Thou canst do no mischief, O Samson, seeing that a Delilah has her hands in thy hair," said the younger sister, and they all laughed.
" Or if the hands of a Delilah cannot subdue thee, maybe the voice of a Rachel can. Come sister, tell her one of the tales we heard from Theophilus the Athenian," said the other.
"Which one?"
" That one about Narkissos and Echo."
tc Yes, go on ; my ears were made to listen," re marked Rebekah with an encouraging gesture.
And the maiden directly began :
" On the banks of the River Kephisos sat the hand some Narkissos mourning for his twin sister, whom Hermes had borne away beyond the Stygian River. Echo, a beautiful maiden was in love with him ; but he cared not for her love. As he sat there from day to day, Echo came to him and said, ' Look on me; I am fairer than she for whom thou dost mourn.' But he, answering her not a word, looked in silence into the clear water, and saw Jiis face imaged there. It seemed to him like the face of his departed sister, whose soft blue eyes he thought he saw again, and whose sweet words he almost heard dropping from her lips. Again Echo spoke to him, 4 Ah, Narkissos, thou mournest for one who cannot heed thy sorrow, and thou carest not for her who longs to see thy face and hear thy voice forever.' But he heard her not. Gazing at the face in the water he slept and died. Then Echo's voice was heard no more ; but she sat in solitude at his grave, and a beautiful flower which the people of that country call after the young man's name, sprang up at her feet, its white blossoms drooping over the place where Narkissos had sat and died."
"Oh, that is beautiful," exclaimed Rebekah en thusiastically when the maiden paused. " Hast thou another like it, Rachel ? "
86 Bebekah.
"I have; but let Esther tell thee how Daphne escaped from Apollo," was the reply.
" Yes, tell me about Daphne and Apollo," begged Rebekah as Esther took a seat beside her sister.
" My father says that obedience is a jewel ; there fore listen, O daughter of Herodion, and thou child of Aristobulus," said Esther with a flourishing ges ture and mock gravity.
"In the vale of Tempe, beneath the heights of Olympos, where flows the river Peneios toward the sea, was born a beautiful maiden called Daphne. Nimble as a doe, and fresh as the morning, she roamed over hill and dale and climbed the highest peaks to watch the sun coming forth as a strong man to run a race, or disappearing below the horizon in his chariot of fire. Her beauty brought many a noble youth to her feet, but she hearkened not to the voice of love. While other maidens talked of their lovers she wandered in solitude among the hills.
" Standing one day on the slopes of Ossa, a glorious form appeared before her, and a glance at his hand some face, as it shone in the morning light, told her that he was no other than Phoebus Apollo. As he stood there she heard him say, 4 1 have found thee, Child of the Morning. Others thou hast cast aside ; but from me thou canst not escape. I have sought thee long, and now I will make thee mine.' With flushed cheeks and flashing eyes she answered, 'I know no love nor bondage. I live free among the streams and hills, and to none will I yield my free dom.' Then seeing the angry look on Apollo's face, she fled away with the swiftness of lightning, closely pursued. But swift as she sped Apollo ran faster. As she neared the home of her childhood she grew faint and dizzy ; but as Apollo was about to grasp her flying robe, she cried, c Father Peneios, receive thy child,' and rushed into the stream, the water clos ing over her forever. Thus did she escape from Phoebus Apollo, who, mourning his mad chase, said, 'I have punished myself for my folly; the light of
The Voyage. 87
morning is taken out of the day, I must go on alone till my journey ends.' At his word a laurel came up where Daphne had sprung into the stream and in it her name lives forever."
She paused, and Rebekah faintly clapped her hands.
" You have done well, daughters of Aristobulus. Your tales are beautiful, but not perfect. Narkissos did well to love his sister ; but he also should have loved Echo. I like Daphne's love of freedom, but not her indifference to manly beauty and to the value of life."
" What now, Rebekah ? Dost thou play the part of a philosopher ? " inquired Herodion, entering the room as his daughter uttered the last phrase.
" Oh, no ; she only plays the part of a critic," was Esther's remark as she and her sister rose to leave
"Must you go so soon? Then you must come again to-morrow. I shall need more of your medi cine. God be with you."
" And with thee," was the reply as they passed out.
Rebekah continued to improve, and was soon able to visit the apartment of her young friends.
CHAPTER XII.
THE VOYAGE.
AMONG the many ships which frequented the har bor of Puteoli were the Alexandrian corn-vessels. One of these having been the first to arrive after the opening of navigation in the spring, was now getting ready to leave the harbor. It differed in many respects from modern ships. Its hull was not finely laid ; it was steered by two paddle-rudders ; it had but one mast, and one large sail fastened to an enor mous yard; and its prow was ornamented on both sides with painted figures. In size it differed little from the average trading vessel of to-day, having a
88 RebekaL
capacity of about a thousand tons. The report that it was about to sail for Alexandria had attracted a large crowd of idle and curious spectators to the landing — which was built in the form of large arcades supported by thirteen pillars — and these now stood gazing at the heterogeneous flood of human beings that was pouring into the ship. Jews, Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Arabs, and a sprin kling of Gauls and Britons passed them in the greatest hurry, each wearing his peculiar costume, bearing his own burden, and jabbering away at a great rate.
" By Hercules ! there goes Atlas with the world on his shoulders," said one of the crowd, pointing to a Jewish pedler with an enormous pack hastening into the ship.
" Ha, ha ! and there go the Furies, by Castor," said another, as three negresses went by.
" It were more polite to call them the three Graces," remarked a third speaker with mock gravity.
Thus each idler tried to amuse himself and those around him at the expense of the passengers. In the meantime the sailors helped to increase the confusion by their cries as they were engaged in their work ; while Rebekah and her father stood in the stern of the ship, the latter conversing with Aristobulus, and the former with his children. They all seemed much interested, and enjoyed the invigorating air, the sweet music floating on the breeze, and the grand panorama spread before them that beautiful spring morning. To Rebekah the scene was altogether new, and she felt as though she had been conveyed into an earthly paradise.
" Come, Jonathan ; thy sisters' tongues have often feasted my ears; let thine now aid my eyes. The objects we see must have names and a history ; but to me they have neither."
Thus Rebekah spoke, addressing Aristobulus's son
" I had rather Esther would enlighten thee, seeing
The Voyage. 89
that her tongue is more loosely hung than mine," was the laughing reply.
"Thou shalt feel that it is also sharper than thine if thou holdest not thy peace," said Esther.
"Ha, ha ! if it be as sharp as the sting of that bee that stung me yesterday, I have no desire to be in thy place, brother," laughed Rachel.
" A sharp tongue, like a sharp sword, loses its edge by striking too oft against a shield. My feeling is steeled against your tongues, sisters ; hence keep them sheathed," was Jonathan's reply. Then he asked, " Where shall I begin, Rebekah? "
" With that town, yonder."
" That town is Baiae, a favorite resort of noble Romans; which means the abode of luxury and lust, and the haunt of vice. Those ruins this side of the town are the remains of the fantastic bridge built by Caligula. That headland yonder is Misenum, and those islands to the west, under whose shelter thou seest the imperial fleet at anchor, are Ischia and Procida."
" What is that headland to the south ? "
" That is the promontory of Minerva, and the island opposite is Caprese, which is composed of two moun tain masses, the highest and largest being 1,900 feet high, and the lowest 860 feet. On a shelving rock at the base of the latter lies the town of Caprese with its twelve grand villas built in honor of the twelve principal gods by Tiberius, whose mad conduct during the last ten years of his life filled the place with evil associations. West of the town and entered from the sea through a narrow opening is a large cave, adorned with the most beautiful colors. There to the north stands Cumse, and yonder, nestling among the hills, is a lake, near which is the Sibyl's Cave."
Here the attention of all was called by Rachel to the street leading to the harbor. Looking in this direction they saw a body of soldiers advancing towards the ship. First came a body of light-armed soldiers; then a column of heavy-armed infantry;
90 ttebekah.
next a guard of cavalry headed by a mounted officer; and lastly another column of heavy-armed infantry. The movement of each soldier was perfectly regular, his step firm, and his bearing bold. Every helmet and breastplate, and every buckle and spear-head sparkled in the morning sun; while the nodding plumes in the tall crests seemed to imitate the sway of the much venerated ensigns and heavy spears. To tell the spectators that these brawny, well-trained men were Roman soldiers, and that they were escort ing some person of rank, was needless. Such scenes were familiar to them.
Reaching the landing in front of the ship, the cohort halted, while all eyes were riveted on the imposing figure of the great man at the head of the cavaliy. He was in full armor, over which he wore a purple cloak that reached down to his knees, and hung loosely over his shoulders, being fastened across the chest by a clasp. A short sword was suspended at his left hip, and a truncheon was held in his hand. The horse upon which he sat was high-spirited and gorgeously caparisoned.
Soon after the halt he dismounted, and as he passed into the ship accompanied by his attendants, and closely followed by a select band of infantry, and his horse in charge of a servant, Rebekah gave a sud den start as if waking from a dream, and turning to her father she whispered,
"Seest thou Priscus? He commands the band now entering the ship."
"No — yes, thou art right, Rebekah; it is he," was the reply, while Priscus looked up with a smile of recognition.
Noticing these demonstrations, Esther asked Re bekah in surprise,
"Who is that centurion? He acts like an old acquaintance of thine."
" He is the younger Priscus. Hadst thou not bet ter tell him what his father said to thee ? "
The Voyage. 91
The speaker uttered these words with a slight flush in her cheek and a twinkle in her eye.
" Thou art meaner than a Philistine. Why didst thou not tell me that he expected to sail with thee ? " continued Esther.
" Could I tell thee what I knew not myself ? I am neither a witch nor a prophetess."
" Thy pardon, then ; I thought thou mightest have another source of information.
Rebekah made no answer to this, as she was watch ing Priscus, who just then, returning to the landing, approached a tribune with orders from the great man. After a brief consultation he re-entered the ship, and the cohort moved away.
The time for sailing arriving shortly after, all ex cept the passengers and crew left the ship. Most of them, however, including the friends of Rebekah and her father, stood on the landing, occasionally waving their hands and handkerchiefs until distance hid those on board from view.
Although Rebekah was very sorry to part with her friends, and returned their salutations with sincerity, her mind reverted in spite of herself to Priscus, and she wondered why he was so slow in seeking her presence. So occupied with her thoughts was she that she unconsciously wandered away from where her father stood, and knew not that the object of her thoughts was near, until he laid his hand lightly on her shoulder. Then turning suddenly she found her self face to face with Priscus. Love is generally demonstrative, especially after a long separation ; on this occasion, however, its demonstrations were re strained by the consciousness that curious eyes were watching. When Rebekah recovered from her sur prise at the sudden appearance of Priscus, she said,
"The presence of Elijah the prophet at Ahab's court was not more unexpected than your arrival this morning was to me."
" Does this comparison also mean that I am as un welcome as the prophet was, and that your thoughts
92 Rebekah.
were as far from me as Ahab's were from him ? " in quired the centurion.
" It means rather that nature is not more destitute of a promise of another paradise than your letters were of a hint of this meeting."
" It is but a week since I learned that I was to leave Rome."
" And it is but a day since your last letter came to me from Rome."
" I wished to give you a surprise."
" You need not be surprised then that your pres ence was unexpected. But how came you to leave the Imperial City ? If my memory serves me well, you told me once that the Prsetorian guards were rarely called out on foreign service."
" Your memory is correct ; and the departure of myself and band is but an exception to a long-estab lished rule."
" Who is the great man whom you escort ? "
" Gessius Florus, the new Procurator of Judea."
" Why has he chosen you as the commander of his escort ? "
" He and my father are intimate friends, and my appointment is a token of friendship."
" To him then owe I the pleasure of this meeting, and I suppose I ought to send him my thanks."
" Partly to him ; but more especially to Divine Providence."
" Divine Providence ! Why not say Fortune ? "
He was prevented from answering this question by the approach of Herodion, who, after exchanging cordial greetings with Priscus, sought and received the explanations just given Rebekah.
" Thou hast been very kind in keeping us informed of the events which have transpired at Rome since our departure," said Herodion, drifting to the sub ject which was uppermost in his mind. " I am glad also that thou didst not forget those dear friends whom we left in the sand-pits. The news of the venerable Andronicus's death, though unwelcome,
The Vogage. 93
was not unexpected to us, for he showed symptoms of approaching dissolution when we last saw him. But we were wholly unprepared to hear that the faithful Apelles with two others of our friends had fallen into the hands of Christ's enemies while in quest of supplies in the city, and had perished in the arena. The intelligence that in spite of thy liberal gifts the rest suffered much from from hunger and cold be- f ore^they succeeded in leaving the sand-pits also gave us no little pain. Hast thou learned aught of their whereabouts since ? '"
" Nothing definite," said Priscus, " but it has been reported that some of them subsequently suffered martyrdom."
" Ah I I fear the report is founded on truth," said Herodion gravely.
" Possibly, for a great many have suffered of late," remarked Priscus.
" Does the persecution still continue unabated ? " asked Rebekah.
" Ay," was the reply ; " nor is there any lack of victims. The harvest of death in the arena only in creases the harvest of souls into the kingdom of God. The executioner sometimes becoming convert ed shares the fate of the executed. The gladiatorial shows have made many people brutes ; to see the Christians die reforms them into men."
" You speak as one who owns Christ as his Lord," said Rebekah eagerly. "Are you also among his followers ? "
" You have a right to doubt my loyalty to Christ," continued the centurion with a downcast look. " Like many others, I have tried to follow him in secret, often resorting to questionable means in order to guard my secret. The sufferings of the martyrs have made me loathe myself, and see what a coward ly soldier of Christ I have been. Henceforth I shall fight his battles as well as my country's."
Both Rebekah and her father welcomed this con fession with delight, and gave expression to their joy
94 EebeJcah.
in warm terms. It was only when the ship was pass ing between the promontory of Minerva and the island of Caprese that Priscus left the side of his be trothed to go and look after his command, and the following days saw them often together, sitting in the shade of the sail.
" You say that love is the soul of happiness," said Rebekah, as the ship was sailing by the island of Crete ; " yet is it not true that many who love are miserable ? "
" It may be true of others, but not of me. My love for the sweetest maiden earth has ever seen has placed me in a heaven of unadulterated bliss," said Priscus.
" Yet were that ' sweetest maiden ' to play the co quette, or fail to humor that love with signs of her favor, how long would the lover remain there ? "
" I fear a shorter time than our first parents re mained in Paradise."
" Then love is the soul of misery as well as of happiness ; and how can that be ? "
" As I can handle the sword better than logic, my explanation may not be satisfactory ; but I can prove that love is the soul of happiness and misery alike."
" You are not going to jilt me ! "
" I am going to tell you a story instead. Have you ever heard the story of Theseus and Ariadne ? "
" No ; but I should like t3 hear it."
" Then listen : On yonder island in the Gnossian labyrinth. There lived a savage Minotaur who fed upon youths and maidens brought from Athens as an annual tribute. At the appointed time the people thronged as usual to the harbor to see the arrival of the black-sailed ship with its human freight. In the throng stood Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, who, as she watched the landing of the youths and maidens, was attracted by one that was taller and fairer than the rest. Following him and his com panions to her father's house, she saw that he alone gazed steadfastly upon the king, and listening to his
The Voyage. 95
request for permission to go and fight the Minotaur, she was moved with love, and decided to aid him. That night she sought him secretly, and gave him a clue of thread so that he would not get lost in the mazes of the labyrinth. Then leading him to the secret gate, she bade him to be courageous, and de parted. Following her directions, Theseus — for that is who he was — slew the monster while he was asleep, and returned to the royal palace. There was great joy in the city of Gnossos, and among the youths and maidens who had accompanied Theseus from Athens, at the death of the Minotaur. But none was more joyful than Ariadne, to whom Theseus spoke words of love, persuading her to accompany him to his country, where his father was king. Entering the black-sailed ship she sat beside her lover, thinking that he loved her as she loved him. Coming to the high cliffs of Naxos, she landed with Theseus and his companions, and feasted on the beach amidst laughter and mirth, listening only to her lover's voice. Late at night she with the others slept, but when she awoke she found herself deserted. Sadly disappointed she wandered with wounded feet over the sharp flints on the beach, crying in bitter sorrow for Theseus. Wearied and sad she sank down on the rock, and through her tears beheld one that was fairer and more glorious than the sons of men. It was Bacchus, the lord of the feast and revel, who had come to make her his wife. When she heard his voice, her tears ceased ; and in his company she forgot the false Theseus. Henceforth there was none so beauti ful and joyful among the matrons who gathered round the wine-god as Ariadne, the daughter of Minos.
" Now, my Ariadne," said Priscus at the close of the story, drawing Rebekah a little closer to him and kissing her white hand, u have I not proven my statement?"
" I am not your Ariadne," said Rebekah, earnestly looking into her lover's eyes, and evading the latter
96 Relekah.
part of the question ; " nor are you either my Theseus or Bacchus."
" Then instead of my jilting you, you are going to jilt me."
" You are wrong ; my words have another mean ing. Ariadne's love to Theseus was unsought and unrequited ; so is not my love to you. Theseus was heartless and false, and Bacchus voluptuous and vain ; shall I consider you so ? "
" Ay, if you have found me so ? "
44 They say that love is blind," was the laughing and evasive reply.
" But not always unsuspicious."
" Then I have never been in love, for suspicion is a stranger to me."
" All my efforts have been in vain, then."
" What ! to make me suspicious ! "
" No ; to steal your heart."
" Stealing is wicked ; the Scriptures say so."
" But a fair exchange is not."
Cries of, " A whale ! a whale ! " now brought a large crowd to where they sat, and arising they saw with much delight a large object rushing through the water in the distance and spouting at a lively rate.
The ship now soon arrived at Alexandria, where Rebekah and her father, together with Florus and his escort, re-embarked in a ship bound for Csesarea and other more northern sea-ports. As neither of the lovers had seen Alexandria before, its two straight streets which crossed each other at right angles in the centre of the city, and were lined with regular colonnades ; its museum, large library, royal palaces, great theatre, and mausoleums of illustrious men ; and finally its emporium, obelisks, necropolis, and famous light-house, Pharos, furnished them subjects enough for conversation during the remainder of the voyage.
As they came in sight of Csesarea a most magnifi cent view presented itself to them.
" You see," remarked Herodion, joining them, " I have not said too much in praise of our future home.
A Smouldering Fire. 97
That harbor is equaled only by the Piraeus at Athens. Presently when we enter between that round turret and those two vast stones joined to gether on the left, andsee its fine landing with its large arches and grand buildings, you shall be better pre pared to give an opinion concerning it. That temple on yonder elevation is the most costly and beautiful in the city. Of the other attractions of the city you will have a better opportunity to judge after landing. Even at this distance, however, you can have some idea of the grandeur of its palaces, the magnificence of its public buildings, and the systematic arrange ment of its streets. Even Rome itself has no street which surpasses that one you see leading from the harbor."
Landing in due time, the various passengers soon arrived at their destination.
CHAPTER XIII.
A SMOULDERING FIRE.
AT the extreme south end of a street that crossed at right angles the one leading direct from the har bor, stood a building in which the eastern branch of Herodion's business had been carried on for many years, and in the upper story of which he and his daughter now resided. Into this building, a little more than a year after the arrival of our friends at Csesarea, entered one afternoon a young man of slender form, dressed in a garment of fine white linen made in the prevalent Jewish style. Saluting the clerk in charge of the stall with an air of superiority, he passed into an open court, and ascend ing a stairway he was led by a servant into a spacious room, in the center of which hung a large chandelier over a mosaic floor, upon which rested several divans covered with blue cloth, and provided with highly embroidered cushions. Seating himself upon one of
98 Eebekah.
the divans near a window overlooking the street, he took a general survey of the room. A person unused to critical observation would have pronounced him handsome ; to a keen observer, however, there was that in his look which marred his beauty and showed a fierce, selfish nature, coupled with a nar row, unscrupulous mind. Not long after he was seated, Rebekah entered the room, and exchanging greetings with him occupied a neighboring seat. A certain familiarity in their manner and tone showed previous acquaintance, and certain words dropped during a part of the conversation that followed in dicated relationship. He was the only son of a sister of Herodion, dwelling at Jerusalem, and was known as Judas the son of Merto. Idolizing everything of Jewish origin and cast, and feeling a profound con tempt for all Gentiles and their ways, he was withal a zealous Pharisee. His mood on this occasion was not his best, owing partly to recent events at Jerusa lem, and partly to the hostility then existing between the Grecian and Syrian half of the popula tion of Csesarea and the Jewish half. Taking ad vantage of the first pause to lead the conversation into a more desirable channel he remarked,
" Several accounts have reached us of the dis turbances lately created by the uncircumcised dogs dwelling in this city ; but seeing that none of them are wholly satisfactory, perhaps thou wilt favor me with a more accurate account."
" An accurate account is impossible without ac curate knowledge and a truthful utterance. My knowledge of the trouble has been imparted to me by others ; hence may be neither reliable nor satis factory," was the reply.
" The nearer the source the purer the stream." " Not unless the source itself be pure." "If the source from which thy knowledge has been derived be corrupt, the fault is not thine, and if thy account be not satisfactory, I will blame the source and not the stream. Thou wilt surely speak now,"
A Smouldering Fire. 99
" Seeing that thou relievest me of all responsibility I will ; hence listen. A base Greek, as destitute of love to God as of respect to man, owns a piece of ground near one of the synagogues, for which he has repeatedly refused a price many times its worth. On this ground scarcely two weeks ago he commenced to build, the workshops he erected being so close to the synagogue that our people could hardly pass. In censed by this insult the more impulsive of the young men hindered the work until Floras interfered. Violence being prohibited, John the publican, sup ported by the leading Jews, gave the procurator eight talents of silver with the understanding that he was to help them ; but he as soon as he received the money left for Sebaste, without attempting to restore order and peace."
" Abaddon take him ! and may his name perish from the earth! " exclaimed Judas.
" On the next day, which was the Sabbath," con tinued Rebekah, "a malicious heathen, turning an earthen vessel bottom upwards, sacrificed birds upon it at the entrance of the synagogue."
" Son of perdition ! Let the Lord rain upon him snares, and fire, and brimstone, and a burning tempest. But go on."
" The more moderate of the Jews, when they saw their laws thus insulted and their sacred place pol luted, were greatly grieved but resorted to no violence. But the others were so enraged and created such tumult that even Jucundus, the Master of the Horse, was unable to quell it. Fearing a general outbreak, some of our people, seizing the books of the Law, departed to Narbata ; while John, with twelve of the leading men, went to Sebaste to lay their grievances before Floras ; but he, instead of listen ing to their complaints, threw them into prison. This is all I know ; art thou satisfied ? "
" Thou hast done well, Rebekah, thou hast done well. Truth receives justice at thy hands. But our people have suffered injustice at the hands of Greeks
100 fiebekah.
as well as Romans. No Jew who loves the peace of Jerusalem and the prosperity of Israel can listen to such words as my ears have just heard, and see what I have seen at Csesarea without having his heart stirred ; or witness the oppression of the city of our God without hatred in his heart and a curse upon his lips."
" I like not thy philosophy, Judas. Vengeance is God's, not ours. It grieves me to see the oppression of Israel ; yet I wish no harm to the oppressors. They are our enemies; yet being also our brothers we should not hate them."
"Moses is my teacher, not the Nazarene," said Judas, making an effort to conceal his displeasure.
" Would it were otherwise," continued Rebekah, looking at the figure of a lamb worked in brilliant colors in a large rug on the floor. " Love is better than hatred, charity better than revenge."
" That is sound doctrine," said Herodion entering the room. Then after saluting Judas he asked, " How does Jerusalem prosper ? "
" Its prosperity is destroyed by the hand of the oppressor ; its burdens are heavier than it can bear," was the rather sullen reply. " The last of the Pro curators is also the most covetous, barbarous, and im pious."
" What has he done ? How ? When ? "
" Thou knowest that this Roman dog has not been seen in Csesarea since the sedition until to-day, and that he has made no effort to quench the flame of war that has been kindled here. He has rather sought to kindle another flame at Jerusalem ; for scarcely had we heard of the outbreak here, ere he sent to the Holy City, demanding seventeen talents from the Corban treasury for the use of Csesar."
" A deed most worthy of the man ! A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit."
Encouraged by this remark of Herodion, he bowed slightly and continued,
" This bold tyrannical act stirred up Jerusalem as a
A Smouldering Fire. 101
tempest does the sea. Some cried aloud for Caesar's protection ; others heaped reproaches upon Floras ; and others jesting, begged money for him. Enraged at these indignities, he marched with a body of horse and foot towards Jerusalem to enforce his demand. The people, thinking to make him ashamed of his conduct, went out with shouts of joy to meet him ; but he ordered his horsemen to drive them back into the city. Next day as he sat on his tribunal, refusing to receive any apology, and demanding the surrender of those guilty of reproach, he sent his soldiers to plunder the upper market, and caused men of the equestrian order to be scourged and crucified before him. That night Jerusalem mourned the loss of three thousand and six hundred slain."
" Monster of iniquity ! Were there women and children among the slain ? " This from Rebekah.
" Ay, and even infants on their mothers' breasts. But even this did not satisfy him. His thirst for blood drove him to other violent deeds. Nor would he listen to the entreaties of the great. Often did Berenice, King Agrippa's sister, send the head-offi cers of her horse and guard to Florus, begging him to cease his cruelties; and once she herself stood barefoot before his tribunal, pleading mercy for the people ; but in vain."
Here a fit of terrible passion seized him, and after giving utterance to some fearful execrations he apologized to Rebekah, and continued,
" He has no more regard for the great among us than for a dog ; and his soldiers have less regard for royal life than he has for royal dignity ; for it was with difficulty that the queen returned in safety to the palace.
" Soon after the departure of Berenice, having new designs upon the lives of our people, he per suaded the leading men of Jerusalem to send a vast number of the citizens to meet and welcome two co horts then advancing from Ceesarea to the Holy City, while he sent a secret order that the soldiers return
102 RebeTcaTi.
not their salutations. His order was obeyed, and another massacre ensued, and I myself very nar rowly escaped death. Incensed by these additional cruelties the people on the next day rebelled, and driving the Romans back to their camp, they de stroyed the covered way leading from Antonia to the temple, that Florus might not obtain the treasures of God's house. Being thus thwarted in his covetous and sacrilegious designs, he at last departed from the city leaving but one cohort in the citadel."
Priscus entering at this juncture, the speaker paused, and while the former exchanged greetings with Rebekah and her father, the latter abruptly left the room with a mingled expression of hatred and displeasure on his face.
Rebekah did not see him depart ; therefore she was not a little surprised when turning to introduce him to the centurion she found him gone. But a moment's reflection sufficed to acquaint her with the cause of Ids sudden departure. Priscus was a Roman soldier ; and the familiar way in which he entered the room indicated that he was no stranger there. These two facts made his presence particu larly obnoxious to a man of the disposition and char acter of Judas.
Priscus also was somewhat surprised at the sudden disappearance of the son of Merto. Yet the only {illusion he made to him was, that he thought he had seen him somewhere before.
" We have not seen you since the trouble began until to-day," said Rebekah after a pause.
"No; my duties called me to Sebaste," was the reply.
u And to Jerusalem also, did they not?"
Thinking that he detected a slight reproach in the speaker's words, he glanced quickly at her, and re marked,
" Yes ; being the commander of the Procurator's guard I had to accompany him there. But I thank God I had no hand in the disgraceful scene my eyes
The Outburst of the Flame. 103
were forced to witness. Nor was I in sympathy with the cruel spirit that demanded the shedding of so much blood."
" What excuse had Florus for his shameful con duct?" asked Herodion.
" The excuse which a robber has for taking a man's life when he is unwilling to give him his money," was the prompt reply.
Although this answer expressed the general im pression in regard to Florus's motives, yet it had only appearance in its favor. Florus was not more avaricious than his predecessors had been. The chief reason for his wicked course was that he wanted to fan the sparks of rebellion among the Jews into the flame of open revolt.
While Priscus was very careful as to how he ex pressed himself to his comrades, he felt no restraint among his Jewish friends. He wished them to un derstand that he heartily disapproved the Procura tor's mad policy ; and before he left that afternoon he discussed with them the probable outcome of it.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE OUTBURST OF THE FLAME.
TIME, instead of quenching the smouldering fire of rebellion, secretly fed it, so that on a Sabbath morn ing not long after Judas's visit to Csesarea it burst into a most terrible flame. The Jews, little suspect ing the imminent danger they were in, looked for ward as usual to a day of rest; but the Gentile element hailed the day because it was to be one of a peculiar activity. Especially was this true of the leading officials, who under cover of a heavy fog which envel oped the whole city, assembled early in the house of the chief magistrate.
" You remember my command," said that mag nate, " that the names and homes of the Jewish dogs
104 Eebekah.
be secured ; that their houses be marked ; that all who are to be spared wear a red sword-shaped badge over their hearts ; that the armed men be placed in differ ent parts of the city, where they can most effectively perform their work. Have you obeyed my com mand?"
" We have, O Dionysius ; else may the Furies take us," was the reply.
" Zeus has sent us a propitious day ; our enemies are in our hands ; let them be mown down as grass. He that lets a soul escape forfeits his own life. Two hours before noon is the time, and the sound of the trumpet, the signal for action. Go, honor the heroism of your fathers with your deeds."
As the officials turned to leave, the chief magistrate beckoned to one of them, and whispered in his ear,
" Remember that Herodion dies with the rest ; but his daughter must be spared, for her charms have struck my fancy. Go."
" Thy command, O illustrious, shall be obeyed," said the person addressed, hastening after his compan ions.
Reaching the door, they all struck out in different directions, wishing each other success. As each pursued his course he passed several Jews going to their synagogue, and remarked to himself that their lives would soon be as the fog that was then vanish ing. Although most of the Jews lived in what was known as the Jewish quarter, yet not a few of them lived in the other parts of the city. These had to pass through the business parts in order to reach their place of worship. They saw nothing there that Sabbath morning, however, that looked in the least suspicious. The streets were crowded as usual, and every Gentile business-stand was occupied; mostly, however, by women and aged men. Half of the able- bodied men were concealed near the Jewish quarter ; the other half mingled with the crowds to avoid sus picion until their service was needed.
The service had scarcely commenced in the various
The Outburst of the Flame. 105
synagogues ere the worshipers were startled by the sound of a trumpet in the distance, which was answered by several others in various quarters of the city. Almost simultaneous with the signal, they heard a great rush in the neighboring streets, and looking in terror at each other, they sprang from their seats, some crying to have the doors shut; others to have room to pass out. The conspirators left them no time to escape, but surrounding them with the fury of madmen, they fell upon them at once. The work of destruction had been aided by the panic within, in that it had prevented the closing of the doors. Many of the conspirators, however, in their impatience made their way in through the win dows, their harsh laughter and fearful execrations mingling with the despairing cries and dying groans of their helpless victims as they rushed upon them with swords and daggers from all directions. In less than fifteen minutes all the worshipers were dead, and as they lay in heaps upon the sacred floors their blood covered the walls and seats and ran in streams out at the doors.
Simultaneous with this slaughter, a general rush was made upon thousands of unprotected homes, the murderers regarding neither sex nor age. Exult ing over their success, and stimulated by the vocif erations of their fellows and the lamentable and affrighted cries of the perishing, those who had attacked the synagogues hurried to assist still further in the carnival of death. Many of the helpless vic tims pursued by their enemies were met in the nar row lanes and streets by these human fiends, and quickly dispatched. Mothers and daughters, after suffering all manner of insults, fell dead at the feet of their murderers. Sleeping babes were thrown from the windows of the upper stories and caught on the spears of those who were in the streets below. Many older ones also were hurled from the roofs and dashed to pieces on the pavement. This fearful carnage continued only for one hour ; yet in that short time
106 jRebekah.
twenty thousand Jews were massacred ; and the few who escaped were sentenced by Floras to the galleys for life.
But where were Rebekah and her father ? This was the question that was uppermost in Priscus's mind as lie left the landing, where he and his band had been stationed about an hour before to arrest those who attempted to escape, and hastened half distracted in the direction of Herodion's house. The knowledge of the plot had been studiously kept from the sol diers, lest those among them who had Jewish friends might inform them of their danger, and thus over throw the plot. When the centurion was ordered to take his band to the landing that morning, he only thought that a riot was expected, and that those whom he was to arrest were rebels. Nor did he dis cover his delusion until the massacre was nearly over. True he heard frightful shrieks and clamors in the distance, and saw his men arrest several bleeding forms ; yet it was only when a young woman, blood stained and terrified almost to madness, prostrated herself at his feet, that he learned the true state of things. Then a terrible thought flashed into his mind, and commanding the sub-centurion to take charge both of the band and fugitive, he hurried to the scene of consternation and death. As he passed from street to street the most horrible and sickening spectacles met his gaze. The pavements were lit erally flooded with the blood of men, women and children, most of whom had been thrown, either dead or dying, into the streets, where in some places they lay