Perseus directed the soldiers.
"Where are the steps to the tower?"
"Here on the right," answered Jochem--it was the staircase which led to Miriam's chamber--how often had Totila slipped in there! "Be quiet! I hear the old man."
It was really Isaac.
He had heard the noise from above; he came to the top of the steps with his torch and spear.
"Who is it down there? is it thou, Miriam? who comes?" he asked.
"I, Father Isaac," answered Jochem; "I wished once more to ask----" and he stealthily went up another step.
But Isaac heard the rattle of arms.
"Who is with thee!" he asked, advancing and holding out his torch. He now saw the armed men crouching behind Jochem.
"Treachery! treachery!" he screamed; "die, thou blot upon the Hebrews!" and he furiously struck his broad partisan into Jochem's heart, who could not retreat.