In the silence that followed this clearing of the roadway, a moan was heard from the hidden hill-top. It was one of the malefactors begging for a stupefying potion to stay his torment.
"Hear," said one of the soldiers. "He beggeth with a good tongue."
"Yea, but the Jew that hangeth between the two refused the draught."
"He refuseth nothing now. The tongue of the 'King of the Jews' waggeth no longer in profane bragging against Caesar. Let us see to him."
When the soldiers had turned up the hill, the woman behind the rock spoke again. "Oh, my eunuch," she said, "go thou to the cross and inquire of the Jew. They say he is dead—dead," and her voice ended in a sob.
"Be comforted, most gracious Claudia. Methinks they speak what they know not. Yet will thy servant inquire."
While the eunuch was gone a group of soldiers came down the road bearing a purple robe. Near the rock behind which Claudia stood concealed they seated themselves, removed their helmets and dropped dice in them.
"A goodly apparel," one soldier said, holding forth the robe.
"Yea, and a crown went with it," a second said.
"Yea, and a cross followed after it," a third added.