“The river is serene. Get thy lute, and let us take the shallop, that I may feel the oars once more before my departure.”
Hand in hand the two darted down the stone stairway, and after a hasty change of outer costume, made their way down one of the well-worn paths to the river’s bank. Unlocking the little boat-house, Saulus pushed the light shallop to the landing, and the two stepped in for an excursion. The young Israelite grasped the oars with his usual alacrity; and the scions of the house of Benoni glided out upon the stream and quickly disappeared, making their way against the broad current of the Cydnus.
CHAPTER III
IN THE TOILS
“By Pallas! A bird hath flown into our net. The tempest hath driven her to shelter.”
“A riddle for my interpretation, Marcius?”
“Thou judgest rightly.”
“Methinks I am already on the trail, my gallant; or art thou an impostor? Come, I am impatient! Doth the bird sing?”
“Thou wilt find out the particulars for thyself.”