“Captive,” answered Miriam.  “That means that he will be crucified like the others whom we saw yesterday upon the Temple wall.”

Nehushta shrugged her shoulders.

“It may be so,” she said, “unless he finds means to destroy himself or—­is saved.”

“Saved!  How can he be saved?” Then in her woe the poor girl fell upon her knees clasping her hands and murmuring:  “Oh!  Jesus Christ whom I serve, teach me how to save Marcus.  Oh!  Jesus, I love him, although he is not a Christian; love him also because I love him, and teach me how to save him.  Or if one must die, take my life for his, oh! take my life for his.”

“Cease,” said Nehushta, “for I think I hear an answer to your prayer.  Look now, he is laid just where the stair starts and not six feet from the stone door that leads down into the cistern.  Except for some dead men the tower is empty; also the two sentries stand outside the breach in the brickwork with which it was walled up, because there they find more light, and their prisoner is unarmed and helpless, and cannot attempt escape.  Now, if the Roman lives and can stand, why should we not open that door and thrust him through it?”

“But the Jews might see us and discover the secret of the hiding-place of the Essenes, whom they would kill because they have hidden food.”

“Once we were the other side of the door, they could never come at them, even if they have time to try,” answered Nehushta.  “Before ever they could burst the door the stone trap beneath can be closed and the roof of the stair that leads to it let down by knocking away the props and flooded in such a fashion that a week of labour would not clear it out again.  Oh! have no fear, the Essenes know and have guarded against this danger.”

Miriam threw her arms about the neck of Nehushta and kissed her.

“We will try, Nou, we will try,” she whispered, “and if we fail, why then we can die with him.”

“To you that prospect may be pleasing, but I have no desire to die with the lord Marcus,” answered Nehushta drily.  “Indeed, although I like him well, were it not for your sake I should leave him to his chance.  Nay, do not answer or give way to too much hope.  Remember, perhaps he is dead, as he seems to be.”

“Yes, yes,” said Miriam wildly, “we must find out.  Shall we go now?”

“Aye, while there is still a little light, for these steps are breakneck in the dark.  No, do you follow me.”

So on they glided down the ancient, darksome stairway, where owls hooted and bats flittered in their faces.  Now they were at the last flight, which descended to a little recess set at right angles to the steps and flush with the floor of the basement, for once the door of the stairway had opened here.  Thus a person standing on the last stair could not be seen by any in the tower.  They reached the step and halted.  Then very stealthily Nehushta went on to her hands and knees and thrust her head forward