If I had hearkened to you, you would have been in Pella, or in Egypt. I
lost you, and, thinking you dead, what I have suffered no man can know.
Now I find you, and because of the office that was thrust upon me, I,
even I, from whom your life has sprung, must bring you to your doom."
"Grandfather," Miriam broke in, wringing her hands, for the grief
of this old man was awful to witness, "cease, I beseech you, cease.
Perhaps, after all, I shall not die."
He looked up eagerly. "Have you hope of escape?" he asked. "Perchance
Caleb----"
"Nay, I know naught of Caleb, except that there is still good in his
heart, since at the last he tried to save me--for which I thank him.
Still, I had sooner perish here alone, who do not fear death in my
spirit, whatever my flesh may fear, than escape hence in his company."
"What then, Miriam? Why should you think----?" and he paused.
"I do not think, I only trust in God and--hope. One of our faith, now
long departed, who foretold that I should be born, foretold also that
I should live out my life. It may be so--for that woman was holy, and a
prophetess."
As she spoke there came a rolling sound like that of distant thunder,
and a voice without called:
"Rabbi Benoni, the wall is down.
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