"Sure am I that Abbas is dead," said Ulric, stooping over him. "Not one of the others liveth. The horses must now go back at speed. I would not have them seen from the gate."
He pricked them sharply so that they ran in fear. Then he wiped the gladius clean, concealed it well, and walked back to the Hinnom gate of Jerusalem.
"Hast thou accomplished thy command?" asked the officer. "The time hath been but brief."
"Else were I not here," said Ulric. "There were those who came by appointment and one of them was the father of Bar Abbas. The others were but robbers like him."
"O gladiator," said the officer, "so will I report well of thee. I think thou art a sure messenger for an errand of blood."
Questions might not be pressed in such a case, but soldiers were at once sent down the valley to make due inquest.
Onward went Ulric through the streets of the city.
"O Miriam!" he groaned. "Would that I might live for thee! But for this day's deed I think that I may soon die. I will now go to the house of Ben Ezra and I will tell him what hath thus been accomplished for him and for her."
Even as he went his haste was hindered in a narrow street by a great procession which seemed to be one of rejoicing. Maidens came first, with clashing of cymbals and with singing. Behind them were other musicians not a few and many men and women. Then walked lightly on a veiled one in bright robes that were adorned with jewels. Attending her and following joyfully was the remainder of the procession.
"Wilt thou inform me what this may be?" asked Ulric of one who stepped apart from the others for a moment.