Benoni was to go up to the Holy City with his son.
“Would there were a ship for Cæsarea that knows the God of Israel!” said the father.
“In what ship do we set sail?”
“My son, it is a Phœnician vessel, which is dedicated to the gods of Tyre, and it carries the sign of Castor and Pollux.”
The mother raised her head inquiringly. “Is there not peril from pirates?”
“Nay; the Romans have cleared the seas of them.”
Again a long pause, and even the impulsive Saulus [pg 16]was sad and thoughtful. Noticing that his mother had buried her face in her hands, he gently drew them aside and gave her another kiss.
“O my mother! dry thy tears. The days will pass speedily when I may return from the Holy City. My love for thee shall never wane.”
The shades of evening had gathered, and anon the clear full moon appeared above the horizon, flooding the broad expanse of white roofs with a pale, misty light. The Cydnus hurried quietly past, gleaming like a stream of molten silver. By a general impulse the little group awakened from their quietude.
Saulus turned toward his sister.