So bitterly did Caleb mourn, who, fierce and
wayward as he was by nature, still loved her more than all the world
besides, that for six days or more he sought death in every desperate
adventure which came to his hand, and they were many. But death fled
him, and on the seventh day he had tidings.
A man who was hidden among the ruins of the cloisters managed to escape
to the Upper City. From him Caleb learned that the woman, who was said
to have been found upon the roof of the gate Nicanor, had been brought
before Titus, who gave her over to the charge of a Roman captain, by
whom she had been taken without the walls. He knew no more. The story
was slight enough, yet it sufficed for Caleb, who was certain that this
woman must be Miriam. From that moment he determined to abandon the
cause of the Jews, which, indeed, was now hopeless, and to seek out
Miriam, wherever she might be. Yet, search as he would, another fifteen
days went by before he could find his opportunity.
At length Caleb was placed in charge of a watch upon the wall, and, the
other members of his company falling asleep from faintness and fatigue,
contrived in the dark to let himself down by a rope which he had
secreted, dropping from the end of it into the ditch.
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