Saulus took his leave, and proceeded directly to the prison.
“Hast thou among the heretics a young woman called Amabel?” asked Saulus of the keeper.
Looking over the roll, he replied in the affirmative.
“Release her, and command her to go to her father’s house!”
Saulus disdained to make any explanation, and left at once, without waiting to see her. Gamaliel had requested that his name be not mentioned, and it was therefore impossible that she should be conducted to the palace. It would lead to recognition.
The jailer went to the cell where Amabel was incarcerated, and unbarring the heavy door, proclaimed,—
“By order of Saulus, deputy of the Sanhedrin, behold thou art released, and commanded to go to thy father’s house!”
She passed out of the dark damp interior into the sunshine, and disappeared in the crowded street.
Whither would she go? Her father’s house had been closed against her. Hesitating but a moment, she turned her back toward Mount Zion, and passing northward, continued along the narrow street that led beyond Hezekiah’s Pool, at length coming to the home of Serenus. She knocked at the humble door, and was warmly received and ministered unto by his mother, who welcomed her as her own daughter.
Saulus returned to the Sheepmarket near the close of the eventful day, feeling that his work was well begun.