“Hail Aleph the Chaldean!” Three times they had given this uproarious greeting with full lungs and wild gesticulations; and there is no telling when they would have stopped had not Aleph stepped on the bulwark toward the galley and beckoned to them. They instantly became silent.
“You see, my friends, that the venerable Seti has found me, and found me safe and sound—thanks to Heaven and him. No matter where, no matter how: he desires that no questions he asked about these things. My arrest and abduction were not by the authorities: they were a private enterprise altogether for which we may hold Draco responsible, if we can lay hands on him. Apart from him all is buried. Many thanks to you for the generous interest you have taken in the stranger, for the efforts and pains you have been at on my account, and of which I have been duly informed. I did not know when I joined the University what a company of generous and warm hearted associates I would have. If my arm were long enough I would grasp the hand of every one of you. Suppose it done till we meet again. Once more; in return for your warm greetings, I am sure that I can give not only my own but those of the dear friends in whose hands you see me, and without whom I should not be here to-day.”
Pausing a moment, he added, “I have a favor to ask. We have with us a sick friend for whom quiet and rest are needed. For this and other reasons we propose that you precede or follow us at a considerable interval; and that we enter the city apart in as quiet and undemonstrative a way as possible. We can demonstrate at our leisure hereafter. I certainly shall want to demonstrate my gratitude.”
One great cheer for the speaker; and another for “the empress of Alexandria” as they now discovered Rachel beneath the curtain which she had hastily let fall between herself and the approaching galley; and then the galley silently dropped behind—far behind. But our friends could hear faintly from it the music of song and instrument, and faintly see the flutter of banners and streamers of all sorts all the way along the river and canal. But when they entered the lake they quite lost sight and hearing of the galley. So the pinnace came quietly to its old moorings.
Up to this time Sextus had sat silent and almost motionless where he had been placed. He now threw off his wraps and attempted to rise. With the help of Aleph, who hastened to him, he succeeded; but he was not able to stand alone.
“I see a close palanquin on the shore,” said Aleph. “I will beckon for it, and if you somewhat muffle the lower part of your face, you will not be recognized. I will order the bearers to take you to Bruchium.”
Sextus looked gratefully at him, and said in a low but decisive voice, “I shall not forget this, as you soon will have occasion to know.”
So they parted with mutual pressure of the hand.
Then Aleph parted from Seti and Rachel—saying to the latter as she reminded him of his promise to see Miriam, “Shall I also see the empress of Rome?” His voice was somewhat unsteady.
She hesitated for a moment, and then said, impulsively, “You will never see her, if earth and Heaven can prevent it;” and her face shone with a determination that was almost fierce.