"And," added Panther, "the accused will also use all his eloquence to get himself out of the scrape."
"That will help him nothing," said Arphaxad; "he has offended the priests too much." Then returned the serving maids with a brazier in which there was a little fire and some wood, which they placed thereon, making a great smoke.
"Here is your fire," said Hagar, "wood and fire tongs."
Then cried the soldiers together, "Thanks, you good girls."
"Yes," said Panther, stooping down over the brazier, "that is good. Now take care that the fire does not go out." Several of the soldiers stooped over the fire, piled on wood, and Sarah busied herself with bringing in meat and bread.
Peter and John, who had been wandering about the streets seeking for tidings, came to the door, John preceding Peter. Hagar, who saw John standing in the entrance of the door, said, "John, comest thou also hither in the middle of the night? Come in here, then, thou must warm thyself. Could you make a little room for this young man here?" said Hagar addressing the soldiers.
"Yes, indeed," cried the band together.
Then said John, "Good Hagar, I have a companion with me; can he not also come in?"
"Where is he?" said Hagar. "Let him come in; why does he stand out in the cold?"
John went to where Peter was standing, but came back alone.