Where is
this testimony? What is there to show that the girl Miriam had any
dealings with this Marcus, whom she had not seen for years? In the Holy
Name I protest against this iniquity."
"It is natural that you should protest," said one of his brethren.
Then they fell into discussion, for the question perplexed them sorely,
who, although they were savage, still wished to be honest.
Suddenly Simeon looked up, for a thought struck him.
"Search her," he said, "she is in good case, she may have food, or the
secret of food, about her, or," he added--"other things."
Now two hungry-looking officers of the court seized Miriam and rent her
robe open at the breast with their rough hands, since they would not be
at the pains of loosening it.
"See," cried one of them, "here are pearls, fit wear for so fine a lady.
Shall we take them?"
"Fool, let the trinkets be," answered Simeon angrily. "Are we common
thieves?"
"Here is something else," said the officer, drawing the roll of Marcus's
cherished letter from her breast.
"Not that, not that," the poor girl gasped.
"Give it here," said Simeon, stretching out his lean hand.
Then he undid the silk case and, opening the letter, read its first
lines aloud.
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