Caleb's judgment that Deborah had been decoyed by the soldiers proved true. Her guide led her to the palace of Apollonius. On the way she passed the roysterers returning from the banquet. The presence of the soldier did not shield her from the insult of their tongues so well as did her preoccupation with anxiety for her brother. She was left alone in the antechamber of the Governor. Now and then she inquired in vain of the passing servants for the blind child. Growing suspicious, she endeavored to make her escape, but found the exits fastened, as she tried them one by one.
At length the Governor came to her. He was flushed and unsteady from the effects of his debauch, and accosted her with maudlin insolence.
"Ah, my pretty Jewess!"
"I came, sir, to claim the blind child, son of Elkiah."
"But suppose I should first claim the daughter of Elkiah. On the street I let you go, but since you have come to me, well—that is different. My will must rule in my own palace."
"Aye, the will of Apollonius, who has given his word for the safety of the house of Elkiah," replied the girl undaunted.
"True, my fair one, and Apollonius will keep his word. You are in danger anywhere else than here. None are safe in Jerusalem but those who come beneath my shadow. To-morrow the soldiers will be let loose. I cannot hold them back any longer. Elkiah's house may go with the rest of the damned Jews. Apollonius' friendship is better than the sword of his soldiers, eh, is it not?"
He put out his hands.
This terrible threat and the hideous alternative it presented to her were too much for the girl to take in at once. She sank at the monster's feet.