"My thanks, Maccabæus! An honest man can ask no more than you have granted me."
He then put his arm about the shoulder of his fellow-prisoner.
"This man, Maccabæus, is my father, General Agathocles, the commander of the last phalanx of your foes to fly from the field of Bethzur. Do with us what you will."
The crowd surged in again, and stared at the noted captive. A huzza broke forth. Was it in self-gratulation that so important a foeman had fallen into their hands? Or was it elicited by the dramatic nature of the scene, as father and son thus stood defenceless except for their mutual embrace? Judas rose from his seat.
"God forbid that even in war there should be such miscarriage as that a son's hand should be raised against him who begat him."
Simon interposed, "If they be father and son, it does not disprove their treason."
"Perhaps accounts for it," said Eliezar, with a shrug.
"Silence, my brothers!" commanded Judas.
Turning to the elder prisoner, he asked:
"Are you General Agathocles? Does Dion speak truth?"