Chapter 13 - Page 2

have fixed my heart upon him. I
have no other to love--but the great imperator. And how is he?"

"I left him well, good sire."

"Stand a moment, son of Varro," said the king, with an impatient
gesture. An attendant approached him and spoke in a low tone. Herod,
snarled like a huge cat when the lance threatens.

"Break him on the rack," he muttered; "and unless he tell, crucify
him--crucify him. He shall do me no further injury. That priest
Lugar, bring him back to me. Quickly now, bring him to me!"

The attendant hurried away, soon returning with him who had retired as
Vergilius entered the king's chamber.

"Saw you the men of learning in Ascalon?" the king demanded.

"I did."

"What said they?"

There was a moment of silence.

"Out with it," said the king, fiercely. "Must I put every man upon the
rack? Speak, and that you may tell the truth I shall not demand their
names."

"They, also, look for the new king," said Lugar. "Many believe he is
already born. They say that on your death he will declare himself."

"And they, too, pray for my death?"

"Most earnestly, my beloved king."

"Traitors!" said Herod, and as he spoke his powerful hands were tearing
his kerchief into rags. "I shall soon change the burden of their
prayers. Go tell them this: the day I die two of the wisest men from
every city in the kingdom shall die also. Go everywhere, and tell
these learned doctors they had best pray for my good health."

The priest bowed before his king and retired. The pagan noble looked
up at this ruler of the land of the one God and felt a thrill of
horror. Herod, turning quickly, beckoned to the young knight, his
wrinkles quivering with anger. Now, indeed, he was like a lion at bay.

"Ha-a!" he roared, and his head bent slowly and his voice fell to a low
rumble as he continued. "'Tis an evil time in Jerusalem. I weary of
this long fight with traitors. They grind their points; they stir
poison; they swarm in the streets. They rob me of my friends, and
now--now they seek alliance with Jehovah to rob me of my throne. 'Tis
well you should know and beware. I have a plan which will make them
desire my good health. Report to Quirinus, and remember"--he took a
hand of the youth in both of his with a fawning movement--"I have need
of friends."

That very day an order went forth that certain of the learned men of
every city be assembled in the amphitheatre at Jericho, and be there
confined to wait the further pleasure of the king. It was a bold plan
through which