"Because," said the old man, "it is true. Would you know how I detected it?"
The two became interested in each other's faces.
"Go on," said Dion.
"Why, as I said, I knew you by your sword play. And not only are you a Greek, but I swear you are a Greek of Macedonia. Do I not know it? Never before was my sword tricked out of my hand either in play or fight. No man could have done that, had he the strength of Heracles, but in one way—and that way you learned in the school of Philippi."
"The Jews travel far. They learn what pleases them," said Dion, with suppressed amazement.
"But no Jew ever learned that guard and thrust in one movement." The stranger imitated the motion with his hand. "It was my own invention."
"You!" gasped Dion in amazement. "You! If you take that man's name falsely, you die like a dog! Who are you?"
The officer sprang to his feet. He put his hands upon the young man's shoulder.
"Gods! Can this be?"
A swirl in the battle-tide brought others to the spring. Dion and the stranger moved away. They were closely watched by a party of Jews, some of whom were ordered to keep them under constant surveillance.