Hannah hastily left the chamber in which Mary and Javan were
conversing, and her benevolent mistress rejoiced that her little
scheme for withdrawing her from the notice of the inquisitive
stranger had succeeded. She hoped that he would regard her merely as
a common domestic, whose part it was to attend and read to her
employer, but who might take no part in her religious opinions, and
be no object for his persecution, should such be the evil intention
which brought him to the house. But it was not to secure her own
safety alone that Hannah so instantly obeyed her beloved mistress.
She did not abandon her to danger, and seek to avoid sharing it. The
faithful creature fled from the house; and though it was now the
second watch of the night, and the dim light of the twinkling stars
was all that remained to guide her feet, she hurried down the Mount
of Olives, crossed the valley, and in a surprisingly short time
reached a small postern gate in the wall of the city, that opened
into a passage leading immediately to Zadok's house.
The great gates of the city had been closed and guarded at the usual
hour; and Hannah knew that she should have great difficulty in
obtaining an entrance by presenting herself at any of them. But she
had frequently passed through this private door, on errands from Mary
to her friends Amaziah and Judith, and she believed that they
possessed the means of opening it at all hours; she therefore called
loudly on the name of one of their domestics, and was quickly heard
and answered. She requested permission to see Judith immediately;
and as Zadok had put no restrictions on his brother's family, and
allowed them to receive whom they would in their own apartments, she
was led without delay to the room where they were assembled.
They were engaged in evening prayer when Hannah entered. Her
presence did not disturb their devotions; and the Christian servant
knelt with them, and joined her prayers to theirs. Amaziah was
concluding his customary act of worship, by imploring the blessing
and protection of the Lord on themselves, and all their brethren of
the church of Christ; and also that it would please him to turn the
hearts of their enemies and persecutors, to pardon those who sought
to injure them, and to bring them also to a knowledge of salvation.
When the little congregation rose from their knees, Hannah exclaimed,
"May our prayers be heard for my holy and beloved mistress, and for
you, my excellent benefactors! I have come from Bethany, at this
late hour, to tell you that the enemies of our blessed Master are
surely contriving the hurt of his servants; and to entreat you to
take measures for the safety of your own family and the venerable
Mary. For some days past our usually solitary dwelling has been
frequented by strangers. Some of them have seen and conversed with
my mistress: she did not commit herself to them, but they must have
seen by her piety and cheerful resignation that she was a Christian.
Others I contrived to send away, and told her not. I have heard, and
probably you have heard it also, that several of our brethren who,
like myself, yet tarried in the neighbourhood, poor and forgotten, or
dwelt as Naomi does with their unconverted relatives, have been
searched for, and taken captive; and this very evening a stranger of
dark and mysterious aspect has come to our house. He entered
unbidden, and found me reading the blessed book, he tried to make
Mary believe that he was partly convinced of the truth of our holy
faith, and sought to be further instructed; and I fear she believed
him, for she professed her belief in Jesus, and even put into his
hands the volume which I had endeavoured to conceal. He used various
arts to make her declare all she knew of you, Amaziah, and your
excellent family; but this she would not do. I left the
deceiver--for such I am convinced he is--still talking to her, and
perusing the book which she delivered to him. I heard him reading
the sacred words of inspiration as I left the house; and I have now
hurried to you for counsel and assistance."
"Was the stranger young?" interrupted Claudia, eagerly: "was he tall
and pale, with sunken eyes, and dark contracted brows? Oh, my
fearful heart tells me who he was!"
"You have described him exactly," replied Hannah; "and, strange as it
may appear, there was an expression in his countenance when he smiled
that reminded me of the lovely lady Naomi, and almost charmed away my
suspicions. But I knew that he was a traitor at heart."
"It must be Javan!" exclaimed Claudia; "I know that he will bring
evil upon us yet. Oh that we were safe beyond the reach of his
malice!"
"My dear Claudia," said Theophilus, "do not suffer your apprehensions
thus to prevail over your better judgment. I cannot believe that
Javan would really seek to injure his nearest relatives. I know that
some of our brethren have lately been apprehended, and my father has
used great influence in their favour--I hope with success; but I have
not heard that Javan was in any way concerned in their discovery; and
his manner has been as friendly since our unhappy disagreement as it
was before, so that I believe it has not really affected his
feelings."
"You look on every one as possessing your own open, generous spirit,
Theophilus. I think I know Javan better than you do, and I would not
trust his specious hypocritical appearance of friendship for one
moment. Dear Judith, will you not share my fears? It is for
Theophilus that I tremble, for I am convinced that Javan's enmity is
strongly excited against him."
Judith and Claudia felt alike, and while they communicated their
apprehensions, Amaziah and his fearless son were occupied in
questioning Hannah concerning the strangers who had lately been seen
at Bethany, as well as the visitor who had excited so much alarm on
the present occasion. They were all aware that Mary's days were
numbered, and they could not bear the idea of leaving Jerusalem while
she lived. It was impossible to take her with them in her present
state; and it would be difficult even to remove her to a safe asylum,
should they be able to find one. They desired Hannah to return to
her without loss of time, and assure her that they would watch over
her safety, and if possible visit her the following day to arrange
their plans. Theophilus declared his intention of accompanying
Hannah back to Bethany, both to protect her by the way, and also to
converse with Mary, and hear further particulars of what had passed
between her and her visitor.
Claudia would have opposed this intention, but she knew it would be
useless. She however persuaded Theophilus to disguise his person as
much as possible, that if he should meet Javan on his way back to the
city he might not be recognised. He did not return home for some
hours; but neither his parents nor Claudia had retired to rest, for
they were anxious to see him safe again, and to hear the result of
his expedition. His communication did not allay the fears of
Claudia. He had met a stranger enveloped in a cloak, as he crossed
the bridge over the brook Kedron, and he was compelled unwillingly to
own that he believed it to have been his cousin; and he was confirmed
in this opinion by all that Mary told him. She entreated him to
forbear coming to her house again, and to desire his parents to do
the same, and also to use all possible expedition in setting out on
their journey, before it should be too late. He added that their
beloved friend appeared exhausted, and he had no doubt that she would
soon be removed to her rest. He had promised her that they would
none of them visit her the following day, as they would probably be
watched; but Hannah was to let them know if anything further took
place to cause alarm.
The day after the events which have just been related, Mary of
Bethezob held a feast in her splendid dwelling, and the families of
Zadok and Amaziah were invited to it. It was not much in accordance
with Zadok's sentiments to frequent such scenes of gaiety; but as
Mary was his relative he would not refuse to comply with her request,
and he desired that Salome and Naomi would accompany him. This was a
trying command to his daughter for her Christian principles had
taught her to shun all such revels and festivities, and she knew that
it was the practice of all her brethren to abstain from mixing in the
pleasures and follies of the world: but she felt that in this
instance she was called on to obey her father, as he did not require
of her anything that would directly compromise her opinions; and with
a heavy heart she adorned herself for the feast. Amaziah and Judith
declined the visit altogether; but Zadok desired Claudia to accompany
his daughter, and she was very willing to seize this opportunity of
conversing with her friend more freely than she had been permitted to
do of late.
About the ninth hour of the day they repaired to the house of the
rich lady of Bethezob, and Javan was of the party. He had never
appeared so lively and so little abstracted. Perhaps he had been
successful in his political schemes, or perhaps he saw a prospect of
the speedy gratification of his religious and private revenge. He
remained so long with his sister and Claudia, that they feared he did
not intend to leave them any time for private conversation; but,
happily, after the banquet was concluded, he was called away by one
of his most active assistants in forwarding the cause of Simon, and
the two maidens found themselves at a distance from him they feared,
and able to escape from the busy throng to a spot where they could
communicate their thoughts and feelings unobserved by his keen eye
and quick suspicious ear.
The splendour of the entertainment, and the glittering magnificence
of the dresses of the visitors, could not engage their attention.
Their thoughts were occupied with other things, and they only felt
the emptiness and vanity of all around them. They passed through the
marble columns of a beautiful arcade, which was adorned with aromatic
shrubs and flowers in vases of exquisite workmanship, and hung with
draperies of purple and gold, that threw a luxurious shade on the
gilded walls, and inlaid pavement of costly stones and metals, and
softened the glowing rays of the western sun. Claudia and Naomi
paused not to regard the beauty of the gallery; they hastened through
the gay and animated crowd, and sought the retirement of the
thickly-planted garden into which it opened. When they believed
themselves to be out of hearing of any of the party, they conversed
with freedom and confidence on the subjects which at that time so
deeply interested them. Claudia related the particulars of all that
had occurred the preceding night, and declared her conviction that
Javan was concerting some scheme of evil against the whole family, or
at all events against Theophilus. She entreated Naomi to prevail on
her father to be ready to leave the city with them on the third day
from that time, as Amaziah, she hoped, would yield to her fears, and
consent to set out at that period. To this her friend readily
agreed, as she also suspected the intentions of her brother; and she
promised that, if possible, he should remain ignorant of their
departure being hastened. The condition of the aged Mary then
occupied their attention; and deeply did Naomi regret that she could
not go to her as formerly, to listen to her holy instructions, and to
cheer her declining life by her affectionate attentions.
"Once more, dear Claudia, I must see her. Whatever dangers may
befall me, I am resolved, if possible, to behold her blessed
countenance again, and receive her parting benediction. I have been
wishing for some days to see you or Judith, that I might give you a
letter which I had prepared. It was merely to request you would
devise some method by which I could accompany you to Bethany. I met
Hannah two days ago, as I was going with Deborah to gather fruit in
my father's garden by the brook, and she told me that our dear Mary
was sinking. I have been very unhappy ever since, for I feared she
would die, and I should not behold her again on earth."
"Amaziah and Judith and Theophilus are gone to visit her this
evening," replied Claudia. "They knew that Javan would be here, and
that therefore they might go with safety. If possible, they intend
to remove her to Amaziah's house near Bethany, where a friend of his
now resides, who, though not a Christian, is a good and charitable
man, and will protect her for the short time she has yet to live.
They propose to do this immediately, if her strength will allow of
it; and when she is safe from Javan's malice you may visit her
without danger, for your brother will not know whither she is gone,
or suspect that the good Benjamin can harbour a Nazarene beneath his
roof."
"Mary can never live many days, from what Hannah said," answered
Naomi. "It is useless to carry her away from her home; but I will go
there and see her. Will you request Judith to accompany me the
evening after to-morrow. I know that Javan will be occupied for some
hours at a meeting of the elders and priests, for I heard him make
the engagement. But whether he discovers me or not I am resolved to
go. I feel sure that I cannot long conceal my religion from him, and
it would be a relief to me to be spared the effort. Were it not for
my dear mother's sake, I think I could brave the worst that he could
do; and even death itself would not be very terrible, if I could
glorify my Lord and Master. Life has but little to offer me now--and
the sacrifice would not be great."
"Do not speak so sadly, my dearest Naomi," said Claudia. "It has
indeed been your lot to have many trials of late, and it grieves my
heart to think how lonely you will be when we are gone, and our dear
Mary is taken from you. Oh that you could be persuaded to go with
us! But since that cannot be, and you feel that it is your duty to
remain with those who have not the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, I
believe that he will send you comfort, and enable you to bear every
trial."
"Yes, Claudia, I know he will. It is wrong of me to feel so much
depressed as I do now, but my spirit is very sad. I am not afraid of
any trials that may befall me by the appointment of my gracious
Master; I think that, trusting in Him, I shall have strength to keep
my faith without wavering. But I do dread the spiritual desolation
and solitude that await me when all my Christian friends, all whom I
love in the Lord, are removed far away. Once I cherished a hope that
my beloved mother was awakening to the truth; and if she would listen
to all that I could say, I think her gentle, pious spirit would
rejoice to believe the glad tidings of salvation by a Redeemer. But
she seems to fear the subject, I will continue to pray day and night
that the Lord himself will teach her: and I will try to hope, and not
doubt His mercy. Oh if I could be the blessed instrument in His
hands of showing my mother the only way of peace, what joy, what
triumph would be mine! And then my father too--he would hearken to
Salome, though not to me; and he would see the happiness and the
blessed fruits that spring from faith in the Lord Jesus--and he too
would become a holy, zealous disciple. O Lord, my God," she added
fervently, while her eyes were lighted with all their wonted fire,
and her hands were clasped with energy, "grant me my heart's desire.
Let me see my parents at the foot of the cross, let me hear them call
on the name of thy Son, and then I could share with them the most
fearful death of torment to seal our faith, and be thankful."
"May the Lord hear your prayer, my Naomi, and avert the doom that you
almost seem to covet. Surely happier days are in store for you. You
were always wont to speak to me of hope and courage, and I feel that
I am not able to give you consolation. In your own pious and
confiding spirit you will find it, when I am not here to use my
feeble efforts. How rejoiced I am that your father has consented to
go with us to Joppa! In three more days we shall, I hope, be safely
journeying thither; and as we are to travel in the same litter, we
shall enjoy many hours of undisturbed conversation and happiness
together; and at Joppa too, we shall be together and happy. You will
see Marcellus, and you will find how true is his attachment to you,
in spite of time and absence. Naomi, if Zadok would consent, would
you be my sister indeed? Would you unite yourself to Marcellus, now
that he is no longer an idolater, and trust to your prayers and your
instructions to bring him into the fold of Christ?"
A deep blush mounted to the pale cheeks of Naomi, and as rapidly
subsided, while she subdued the emotion that was excited by Claudia's
question, and replied as calmly as she could:
"I will not attempt to conceal from you, my dearest friend, that if I
were permitted to choose my lot in life, I would rather be the wife
of Marcellus than share the throne of the Emperor. I loved him as a
child; and when we grew up I loved him still, in spite of his being a
Roman and an idolater. Now he is a believer in the true God, and I
feel confident he will one day be a believer also in his incarnate
Son. Should that be the case, and we should then meet, with the same
feelings of attachment with which we parted, it would be my greatest
happiness to become your sister. But all this is a mere dream, and
never likely to be realised. I must try to banish it from my
thoughts, as I have so often done before."
"We shall see, dear Naomi. I prophesy better things," said Claudia
gaily. "I begin to see everything on the bright side now; I suppose
for the selfish reason that my own prospects are so happy and so
prosperous. Three days will soon be gone, and Javan can hardly do us
any injury in that time, and then all will be well except parting
with you. Now let us return to the house, for our long absence may
be observed, and remember we are to start before daybreak. I may not
have another opportunity of talking to you alone."
As they rose from the marble bench on which they had been seated, a
slight rustling was heard among the leaves of a thick clump of bushes
very near them; and Naomi hastily laid her hand on Claudia's arm, and
held up her finger in token of silence. They both looked earnestly
before them, and distinctly saw a human font moving stealthily away,
as if to avoid the path by which they were about to proceed towards
the house.
"Javan!" whispered Claudia, in breathless agitation, when the figure
had passed away, and was concealed in a distant thicket.
"The Lord forbid it!" replied Naomi, with a deep sigh. "If he has
overheard our conversation, all your plans are detected, and we are
all betrayed. Javan was leaving the great saloon, in deep conference
with that dreadful-looking friend of his, Isaac, the counsellor, when
we entered the gallery, and he certainly did not see us. But if any
one has listened to our discourse it may be of serious consequence.
Let us hasten back to my father and mother; and it may be that only
the latter part of our conversation was heard, and that the listener
may not know who we are."
At this moment a loud shout was heard from the house--the sound of
the timbrels and the harps, which had come sweetly to the ears of the
young maidens, mingled with the sighing of the evening breeze,
suddenly ceased, and were succeeded by cries of terror and shrieks of
pain. Lights were seen passing rapidly to and fro, and soon a number
of women issued from the gallery, and fled in confusion through the
garden.
It was evident that some terrible calamity had befallen, and Naomi
and Claudia hastened to ascertain the cause of all the alarm. They
met Mary of Bethezob and several of her female attendants hurrying to
the darkest and thickest part of the garden, loaded with cups and
vases of gold and silver, and rich brocaded furniture, which they
seemed anxious to secure from some apprehended destruction.
"Is the dwelling on fire?" cried Naomi.
"No," replied Mary, "it is far worse; it is filled with a band of
Zealots, who are plundering and destroying all my possessions, and
slaying all who oppose them."
"Where are my father and mother?" inquired Naomi eagerly. "Are they
exposed to the violence of their worst enemies?" She was hastening
towards the house to seek her parents, but turned again, and
inquired--
"Where too is dear little David?"
Mary dropped her rich burden, and exclaimed
"O my child! I had forgotten him. He was playing in the vestibule
just before the ruffians entered. Seek him, Naomi, for the love of
heaven seek him! If he hears your voice he will come to you. The
Zealots would not hurt him, for it was plunder they came to obtain."
Naomi looked for one moment in astonishment at the mother, who thus
called on others to save her child, while she feared to return
herself to seek him; and then she ran swiftly up the terraced walk,
followed by Claudia, who forgot her natural timidity in her anxiety
for the safety of her friend. They entered the gallery, calling
loudly the names of Salome and David. The din of arms, and all the
sounds of a fierce conflict, were heard from the grand apartments,
but the gallery and passages were deserted. They advanced
cautiously, still calling Salome and the child; and soon had the
delight of hearing their cries answered, and saw the little boy bound
from behind the folds of a curtain, followed by Salome, who
tremblingly advanced and exclaimed:
"Blessed be the God of Israel! you are safe, my daughter. I have
sought you in every apartment; and when I could not find you I
concealed myself in this place to watch for you. I could not leave
the house while I believed that you and Claudia were yet in danger.
But come, now let us hasten away. Zadok has promised to follow us as
soon as the ruffians are gone. He found this poor little child in
the midst of the struggle and confusion, and bore him away in safety,
when all others seemed to forget him. The sweet little creature
clung to me, and called for his mother; but she had fled away at the
first alarm, and I know not where she is gone."
While Salome was speaking, Naomi had caught up her little favourite
in her arms, and they were all hastening down the gallery. They soon
found Mary in the garden, concealed behind the trunk of a large tree,
but looking anxiously towards the house to watch for Naomi's return
with her child. When she saw him safe, she burst forth into
passionate exclamations of joy and gratitude, while she overpowered
the little boy with caresses.
"Why did you go away, and leave David with the robbers?" asked the
child innocently. "They would have killed him, if Zadok had not
come."
Mary looked at her rescued wealth, and wondered how she could have
forgotten her only child in her eagerness to save such paltry spoil.
Always a creature of impulse, she now felt that her child was more
precious to her than even her own life; but another hour might find
her engrossed with some new object.
"Where shall I take you to, my sweet boy? I will fly to any cave or
hole in the rocks to save you. If the assassins come this way we are
lost. Salome, guide me to some safe spot, and let me not see my
darling massacred before my face!"
The increasing sounds that issued from the house seemed to indicate
that the combatants were approaching the entrance to the garden, and
the affrighted group knew not in what direction to fly, until one of
the domestics remembered that a small wicket in the garden wall
opened into a narrow lane on the other side, and led to the gardens
of some of the neighbouring houses. Mary had forgotten this outlet,
which was seldom used, and was almost overgrown with the hanging
branches of a vine; but she quickly caught at the idea, and ran to
the spot, followed by all her companions. The bolts were withdrawn,
and they all passed through into the dark street, and groped their
way along, till Naomi having advanced before the rest, recognised a
turn that led to her father's house. It was the same private
entrance by which Hannah had teen admitted the preceding night, and
by which also Naomi had so frequently passed out to wend her way to
Bethany.
The discovery was hailed with joy, and in a few minutes the whole
party were safely lodged in the house of Zadok.
The noise of their entrance brought Amaziah and his wife and son to
inquire the cause of their hasty return; and on learning the act of
violence which the Zealots had committed, Amaziah and Theophilus
armed themselves, and went forth with some of their attendants to
render all the assistance in their power. Claudia and her friend
were rejoiced to see them returned from their visit to Bethany, and
were eager to know how they had found Mary, and whether they had
conveyed her away to the protection of Benjamin; but they could not
gratify their curiosity until some time had passed in narrating the
particulars of the scene of confusion from which they had just
escaped. Then they drew Judith away from the rest of the party to
Naomi's chamber, and learned from her that their venerable friend had
rallied considerably since the last time she had seen her; and that
finding how averse they all were to leave the city while she remained
so unprotected at Bethany, she had consented to be removed to
Benjamin's dwelling. She had however deferred the journey until the
last evening previous to their departure; for she desired to remain
in her own home as long as possible, and felt no apprehension of
being molested so long as they were near to succour and defend her.
"You, my dear Naomi," continued her aunt, "shall accompany us to that
beloved dwelling when we go on that night to bid her farewell, and
give her up to the care of Benjamin. He will meet us there with a
litter, and we shall have the happiness of knowing that our aged and
declining friend will receive from him and his wife all the care and
attention that she can require for the short remainder of her days.
I will myself request your mother to consent to your going for the
last time to see her to whom you owe so much; and even Javan, if he
hears of it, can feel no surprise that you should wish to take leave
of her before her death, as he knows that you visited her with
Theophilus."
"I thank you, my dear aunt," said Naomi; "my heart is set upon
beholding her again, and I have been talking to Claudia on the
subject. She says that you have determined to leave Jerusalem in
three days; and Mary can never survive until our return. But I am
glad you have hastened your departure, for there is danger in your
remaining here; and even now you may have tarried with us too long.
I grieve to tell you that Claudia and I were so imprudent this
evening as to talk aloud of all our hopes and fears and plans, in the
garden of the house we have fled from. We thought we were far
removed from every human ear, and we spoke freely; but alas! I fear
we were overheard, for we saw some one glide cautiously away as we
prepared to leave the spot where we were seated. I have learnt to be
suspicious lately, and I would that you were all safe beyond the
reach of those who wish you evil."
"I trust it will be so ere long," replied Judith. "I will apprise
Amaziah of your apprehensions; and by proper precautions I hope we
may yet escape all danger. Tell me what you had been saying, which
you fear may have been overheard."
Naomi repeated the chief points of the conversation, only omitting
that part which related to Marcellus; and Judith was greatly alarmed
at finding that so much had been said, which, if repeated, would
place them all in the power of their enemies. She did not, however,
express all that she felt; and Salome's voice was heard calling Naomi
to return to the cedar hall, as her father had just entered and
inquired for her. She ran to meet him, and rejoiced to find that he
and his friends had escaped unhurt from the combat. He informed them
that the Zealots had been at length defeated, and driven back to
their strongholds; but not until they had killed or wounded several
of those who opposed their violence, and carried off a great quantity
of plunder. The house of the lady of Bethezob was dismantled, and in
such a state of confusion and havoc that it would be impossible for
her to return that night; and he therefore invited her to remain
under his roof until the wreck of her valuable household property
could be arranged, and her own home prepared to receive her again.
This was readily agreed to, and the rest of the fugitives having
departed to their respective abodes, all was again restored to
quietness. But what peace, what security could be felt in a city
which was exposed to such scenes of outrage as that which had just
been witnessed? Who could feel that their property or their lives
were secure for an hour, while robbers and murderers could openly
traverse the streets, and forcibly enter any house that offered
temptation to plunder, unchecked by any legal power, and unchastised
by any arm of justice?
It was an unprecedented state of society, and never may the world
again behold its equal! It was civil war in its most dreadful form.
The city held within its walls many conflicting parties, and each was
animated by the most deadly feelings of hatred towards the others.
Murder and rapine prevailed in every quarter, while religious zeal
yet distinguished many individuals of each party. The blood of bulls
and goats flowed in sacrifice from the altars that still remained
uncleansed from the human gore that had been shed in the frequent
combats within the temple. None moved through the streets unarmed or
unattended; and a strong guard generally accompanied any female of
distinction who was induced to venture far from home. And yet in the
midst of all this crime and misery the wildest dissipation was
carried on. It was not only in the house of Mary of Bethezob that
feasts and revels were celebrated; the dwellings of numbers of the
rich and gay sent forth the sounds of music and of mirth as loudly
and as frequently as when Zion dwelt in peace, and none could harm
them. Such thoughtless levity appears incomprehensible; but danger
had become familiar to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and they seemed
heedless of the scenes of bloodshed that daily met their eyes. Is it
not the same infatuation that now blinds the eyes of our
fellow-sinners around us, who walk on in a course of sin and folly,
and mark not the warnings that are vouchsafed to them by the Lord,
and dread not the destruction into which they see their companions
falling day by day?--a destruction more appalling and more lasting
than the death and the miseries inflicted by the Zealot robbers of
Jerusalem.
It was midnight before Javan returned to his father's house. When
the lawless band had been expelled from Mary's house, and driven to
their own abode in the temple courts, he was slowly proceeding
homewards, and meditating on the period when he could safely summon
the son of Gioras to enter the city, and take the lead among so many
contending parties. He hoped that the presence of Simon would put an
end to the lesser factions, and he determined to use every exertion
to prepare the way for his reception. He was engaged with these
reflections when his friend Isaac approached him, accompanied by a
stranger in the garb of a domestic. The streets were dark, but the
man carried a lamp, which threw its light on a countenance well
suited to take a part in the bloody and vindictive scenes that
characterized the time, and had already hardened the hearts of the
greatest part of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
"Javan," said the counsellor, in a low voice, when they met, "this
man has somewhat to relate which concerns you nearly. The leaven of
apostasy has spread farther and deeper than you imagined; and
vigorous measures must be adopted to extirpate it at once. From the
lips of your own sister this faithful and zealous man has heard
enough to prove that she herself, as well as Amaziah and his wife and
son, and the Roman maid to whom he is betrothed, are enthusiastic
disciples of the Nazarene."
"Ha!" cried Javan fiercely, "is it really so? But I had strongly
suspected it. Naomi is altogether changed since my absence from the
city; and doubtless it is this foul heresy with which she is infected
that has damped her spirit, and made her what she is. But tell me,
who is your informer, and how came he to hear my sister speak on such
a subject?"
"His name is Reuben, and he is a domestic in the house of Mary of
Bethezob. This very evening he was passing through the garden when
he saw two maidens sitting in a retired spot, and evidently deeply
engrossed with the subject of their discourse. Curiosity led him to
approach, and unobserved by them he listened to their conversation.
Reuben, repeat to the noble Javan all that you have already related
to me."
The treacherous servant did as he was commanded; and Javan listened
with deep interest to the detail of all that had passed between the
unsuspicious friends. To hear that his uncle and Judith had adopted
the Nazarene faith did not at all astonish him, for he had already
ascertained their opinions, and those of Claudia. But Naomi's
conversion had hitherto been only a matter of suspicion and fear; and
every feeling of his breast was excited with painful intensity, as
the dreadful fact became incontestably evident. His indignation was
wound to its highest pitch when Reuben proceeded to repeat that part
of the conversation which so plainly revealed his sister's attachment
to Marcellus, and the hope that was cherished in her heart of one day
being united to him. It was with difficulty that the fiery young Jew
restrained the expression of his passion; but he chose not that
Reuben should see how deeply he was moved: and when he had finished
his recital, he merely threw to him his purse as a reward for his
treason; and laying his hand on the dagger that was placed in his
girdle, sternly commanded him, as he valued his life, to preserve all
he had heard a secret from every other ear.
Reuben departed, well pleased with the prize that had been so easily
earned, and resolved not to run the risk of incurring the vengeance
of the dreaded Javan by revealing the service for which he had
obtained it. Isaac and his friend did not separate so soon; they
retired to the house of the counsellor, to consider how they should
act upon the information they had just received, and how they should
frustrate all the plans of their intended victims. The helpless Mary
of Bethany was marked as the first to be secured; and the very
evening on which Amaziah and his friend intended to place her in
security was fixed on for the execution of the cruel design. Javan
saw that there would be danger of exciting a tumult if she was taken
prisoner on the following day, when Amaziah would have time to make
inquiries after her, and interest his friends in her behalf. But the
plan which he proposed to Isaac was, that they should obtain a strong
body of men from the chief priests, and repair to Bethany before the
hour at which his uncle intended to be there with his family; and
when they had ascertained that the whole party were assembled
together in Mary's house, that they should enter the dwelling, and
seize on all the Nazarenes at one blow. When this was effected, he
felt assured that no influence would be exerted in their favour
sufficient to procure their liberty. Javan knew not that his father
was already aware of his brother's heretical opinions; and he did not
doubt that the discovery would at once sever all ties between them,
and make Zadok as violent an enemy of Amaziah as he was himself.
All the arrangements were agreed upon by Javan and his companion, who
fully approved of the iniquitous scheme, and promised to lend his aid
for its execution; and they parted with an understanding that the
council should meet on the following night, instead of the evening
which had been appointed, and which was now to be otherwise occupied.
Javan retired to rest that night with a feeling of great satisfaction
at the prospect of so soon having the persons of his uncle and
Theophilus in his power. It was against the latter that he proposed
to direct his chief efforts, for if he succeeded in securing him, his
chief object would be attained. He would then be enabled to gratify
his own evil feelings of personal malice and fanatical cruelty, and
also prevent the alliance of his cousin with a Gentile maid. The
knowledge of his engagement to Claudia had greatly increased his
hatred towards Theophilus; and in order to frustrate the intended
connection, and save his family from the contamination of Roman
blood, he felt that any act, however cruel, would be not only
justifiable but meritorious.
[Illustration: Tomb of Rachel]