"Lesbia," the Roman said, "you complained, yesterday, that you had not enough slaves to keep the garden in proper order, so I have bought you two more from the slave market. They are Jews, that obstinate race that have been giving Titus so much trouble. Young as they are, they seem to have been fighting, for both of them are marked with several scars."
"I dare say they will do," the lady said. "The Jews are said to understand the culture of the vine and fig better than other people, so they are probably accustomed to garden work."
The Roman clapped his hands, and a slave at once appeared.
"Send Philo here."
A minute later a Greek appeared.
"Philo, here are two slaves I have brought from the market. They are for work in the garden. See that they do it, and let me know how things go on. We shall know how to treat them, if they are troublesome."
Philo at once led the two new slaves to the shed, at a short distance from the house, where the slaves employed out of doors lodged.
"Do you speak Greek?" he asked.
"As well as my native language," John replied.