“Whence come you, Caleb?” she asked.
“From the wars, Miriam. We have thrown down the gate to Rome, and she has picked it up.”
She looked at him inquiringly and asked, “Was it wise?”
“Who can tell?” he answered. “At least it is done. For my part I hesitated long, but your grandfather won me over, so now I must follow my fate.”
Then he began to tell her of the taking of Masada and of the bloody struggles of the factions in Jerusalem.
After this he spoke of the Essenes, who still occupied their village, though in fear, for all about them was much fighting; and of their childish days together—talk which pleased her greatly. Whilst they spoke thus, a messenger entered the room and whispered something into the ear of Benoni, who raised his hands to Heaven as though in gratitude.
“What tidings?” asked one.
“This, my friends. Cestius Gallus the Roman has been hunted from the walls of Jerusalem and his army is destroyed in the pass of Beth-horon.”
“God be praised!” said the company as though with one voice.
“God be praised,” repeated Caleb, “for so great and glorious a victory! The accursed Romans are fallen indeed.”