Amram was a shrewd-faced, middle-aged Phoenician and, like most Phoenicians of that day, a successful trader, this corn-store representing only one branch of his business.  For the rest he was clad in a quiet-coloured robe and cap, and to all appearance unarmed.

Having locked the door, he walked to a little table, beneath which stood a box containing his tablets whereon were entered the amounts of corn bought and delivered, to come face to face with Nehushta.  Instantly she slid between him and the door.

“Who in the name of Moloch are you?” he asked, stepping back astonished, to perceive as he did so, Rachel seated on the heap of sacks; “and you,” he added.  “Are you spirits, thieves, ladies in search of a lodging, or—­perchance those two Christians whom the soldiers are looking for in yonder house?”

“We are the two Christians,” said Rachel desperately.  “We fled from the amphitheatre, and have taken refuge here, where they nearly found us.”

“This,” said Amram solemnly, “comes of not locking one’s office.  Do not misunderstand me; it was no fault of mine.  A certain apprentice is to blame, to whom I shall have a word to say.  In fact, I think that I will say it at once,” and he stepped towards the door.

“Indeed you will not,” interrupted Nehushta.

“And pray, my Libyan friend, how will you prevent me?”

“My putting a knife into your gizzard, as I did through that of the renegade Rufus an hour or two ago!  Ah!  I see you have heard the story.”

Amram considered, then replied: 

“And what if I also have a knife?”

“In that case,” said Nehushta, “draw it, and we will see which is the better, man or woman.  Merchant, your weapon is your pen.  You have not a chance with me, an Arab of Libya, and you know it.”

“Yes,” answered Amram, “I think I do; you desert folk are so reckless and athletic.  Also, to be frank, as you may have guessed, I am unarmed.  Now, what do you propose?”

“I propose that you get us safely out of Caesarea, or, if you prefer it, that we shall all die here in this grain-store, for, by whatever god you worship, Phoenician, before a hand is laid upon my mistress or me, this knife goes through your heart.  I owe no love to your people, who bought me, a king’s daughter, as a slave, and I shall be quite happy to close my account with one of them.  Do you understand?”

“Perfectly, perfectly.  Why show such temper?  The affair is one of business; let us discuss it in a business spirit.  You wish to escape from Caesarea; I wish you to escape from my grain-store.  Let me go out and arrange the matter.”

“On a plank; not otherwise unless we accompany you,” answered Nehushta.  “Man, why do you waste words with us.  Listen.  This lady is the only child of Benoni, the great merchant of Tyre.  Doubtless you know him?”

“To my cost,” replied Amram, with a bow.  “Three times has he overreached me in various bargains.”