At the same moment, the young man turned his eyes upward, and their glances met. A slight nod of recognition passed between them, which was noticed by the others, so that Rebecca was forced to explain.
“Behold it is he who saved me on the day of the great stampede at the Temple! I know not his name, but he called himself ‘the friend of Saulus.’ ”
Almon also gave an exclamation of great surprise.
“As I live, that is the man!”
“Who is this man, O Almon?” said Benoni, astounded at the double recognition of the prisoner.
“It is he who saved Saulus from the thieves, and brought him to the inn at midnight, and ministered unto him. I wot not his name, but—oh, wonder of wonders!—as to Rebecca, he also proclaimed himself to me as the ‘friend of Saulus.’ ”
“Surely, there must be some mistake!” said Benoni. “Such a man among the prisoners!”
“Shame on the persecution!” exclaimed Rebecca. “Is Saulus to imprison the young hero who saved not only my life, but his own also?”
On the evening of the same day, Saulus despatched the following letter:—
“Officer in charge of the prisoners.