In the space
enclosed by this awning, which was lit with lanterns, stood a woman in
a white robe, who sang the refrain of the hymn in a very sweet voice,
others of the company, from time to time, joining in its choruses.
"From the dead am I arisen" sang the voice, and there was something in
the thrilling notes that went straight to the heart of Marcus, some tone
and quality which were familiar.
Side by side with Cyril he climbed onwards across the rowing benches,
and the noise of their stumbling footsteps reaching the singer's ears,
caused her to pause in her song. Then stepping forward a little, as
though to look, she came under the lantern so that its light fell full
upon her face, and, seeing nothing, once more took up her chant:
"Oh ye faithless, from the dead am I arisen."
"Look, look!" gasped Marcus, clutching Cyril by the arm. "Look! It is
Miriam, or her spirit."
Another instant and he, too, had come into the circle of the lamplight,
so that his eyes met the eyes of the singer. Now she saw him and, with a
little cry, sank senseless to the deck.
So the long story ended. Afterwards they learned that the tale which had
been brought to Rome of the loss of the ship _Luna_ was false.
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