CHAPTER XLIV
THE REVOLT OF THE ISRAELITES
While Azemilcus was dealing with his enemies in his own way, the wretched chancellor, shaking in every limb, conducted the Macedonians back through the secret passage by which he had brought them to the presence of the king. Descending the winding stairs, they reached the street level, where the old man opened a hidden door that led into a narrow subterranean gallery. They followed this for what seemed to them a long distance in a stagnant atmosphere, heavy with dampness. It brought them at last to a slab of stone, from which hung a ring of iron.
Chares was forced to exert all his strength to turn this stone upon its pivot. They emerged from the passage into a small room with walls of rough masonry and a door that was closed by a black curtain. At the request of the chancellor, the lamp was extinguished.
"Where are we?" Leonidas demanded.
"In the Temple of Baal," the old man whispered. "This room is little used by the priests. They live on the other side."
The Spartan raised the curtain and looked into the gloomy interior of the temple. It was deserted and silent.
"What shall we do with this man?" he asked, turning to his companions, and indicating the chancellor.
"We have no further use for him," Chares replied, placing his hand suggestively upon his sword-hilt.
"Spare me!" the chancellor cried, falling upon his knees. "I will tell where the rubies are, and a great store of jewels besides. They are under the image of Baal. Do not take my life!"