The latter had more difficulty in recognizing in this emaciated, broken form the brother from whom he had parted in the pride of his youth and strength.
Genuine grief shook his voice. "Aaron, how did you come to this?"
"It is a long story." He sat down again wearily. "How did you know I was here?"
"The Spirit of the Lord prompted me to come," he answered simply.
"You have prospered?" He contrasted the fine physique of his brother with his own gaunt frame, the other's glow of health with his parchment-like skin.
"Yes, the mission is established at Ishmael. And you?"
"Have met with little success. After I separated from you and our younger brothers I went to the city of Jerusalem. The people were hardened, and when I preached in the synagogue, they arose and disputed with me. When they saw that I had the best of the argument, they mocked me. They refused to listen. Then I heard that Muloki and Ammah here, were preaching over in the village of Ani-Anti; I went there. We could make no converts. We came to Middoni. Though we have preached the word of God to many, few believed. Then they cast us into prison."
During this recital Ammon had noted the flayed flesh, the mark of the thongs that had bound them. Ammah came up and greeted him with sunken eyes. Muloki was too ill to greet him except by a wan smile. There were two others there whom he did not know. Their plight was pitiable. Ammon's whole soul revolted against the squalor and foul air of the place.
"I tried to get word to Omner and Himni, but without avail. We would have starved to death had it not been for a poor shoemaker, one of the faith, who has deprived himself to bring us sustenance. It has not been so bad for us, but Muloki broke down with a disease."
A heavy tramp resounded through the outer corridor. Guards entered. They were followed by servants who carried clean raiment.