I do not think it was
fated that any Christian should perish in that war, since it has been
prophesied otherwise."
"Prove it to me, woman, and I should be inclined to become a Christian,
but of prophecies and such vague talk I am weary."
"You will become a Christian when your heart is touched and not before,"
answered Nehushta sharply. "That light is from within."
As she spoke the bushes parted and they saw the Essene, Samuel, standing
in front of them.
"Whom do you seek, man?" asked Nehushta, who did not know him.
"I seek the noble Roman, Marcus," he answered, "for whom I have a
message. Is that he?"
"I am he," said Marcus, "and now, who sent you and what is your
message?"
"The Queen of the Essenes, whose name is Miriam, sent me," replied the
man.
Now both of them sprang to their feet.
"What token do you bear?" asked Marcus in a slow, restrained voice, "for
know, we thought that lady dead."
"This," he answered, and drawing the ring from his robe he handed it to
him, adding, "Do you acknowledge the token?"
"I acknowledge it. There is no such other ring. Have you aught else?"
"I had a letter, but it is lost. The Roman soldiers robbed me of my robe
in which it was sewn, and I never saw it more.
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