"How knowest thou me? The guards knew me not, nor did any other, for I am changed for that reason. What hast thou to do with Abbas, and what is thy purpose?"
"Thou art but a fool," said Ulric. "I read thy name in thy face. Thou art Bar Abbas. I have known thy father many days. Did he not tell thee how I rescued him in the tower in Esdraelon that he died not? But I have thought him a prudent man. How is it that he hath permitted this folly?"
"O gladiator," said Bar Abbas with a deep, dark smile, "it is no folly. They who would slay me seek me in the wilderness, not in Jerusalem. A man who waiteth within the gate among the legionaries is hidden from the hunters among the hills. I have seen my father and now I go to meet him and his friend the master of the games in the valley of Hinnom, as I believe thou, also, art informed beforehand."
"Then thou hast delivered to him thy spoils?" said Ulric. "But canst thou give me a reason why I should go to meet him in Hinnom?"
"That I know not," said Bar Abbas. "But the master of the games is thy master also. He will give thee thy direction."
"Nevertheless, thou and he are unwise," said the jarl. "I would thou wert armed."
"Save my dagger, I am not," replied the robber, "and thou hast no weapon."
"A warrior is always armed," said Ulric. "But now we are at the gate and here is the officer. Be thou silent."
"Whither goest thou, O gladiator?" demanded the sentinel. "This is forbidden thee. Thou art too far from the circus."
"Dost thou indeed not know me?" responded the jarl. "Or knowest thou not this signet of Caius of Thessalonica?"