Even in that light Amram turned visibly paler.  “I accept your terms,” he said.  “At nightfall I will conduct you to the ship, which sails two hours after sunset with the evening wind.  I will accompany you to Tyre and deliver the lady over to her father, trusting to his liberality for my reward.  Meanwhile, this place is hot.  That ladder leads to the roof, which is parapeted, so that those sitting or even standing there, cannot be seen.  Shall we ascend?”

“If you go first; and remember, should you attempt to call out, my knife is always ready.”

“Of that I am quite aware—­you have said so several times.  I have passed my words, and I do not go back upon my bargains.  The stars are with you, and, come what may, I obey them.”

Accordingly they ascended to the roof, Amram going first, Nehushta following him, and Rachel bringing up the rear.  On it, projecting inward from the parapet, was a sloping shelter once made use of by the look-out sentry in bad or hot weather.  The change from the stifling store below with its stench of ill-cured hides, to this lofty, shaded spot, where the air moved freely, was so pleasant to Rachel, outworn as she was with all she had gone through, that presently she fell asleep, not to wake again till evening.  Nehushta, however, who did not go to sleep, and Amram, employed themselves in watching the events that passed in the city below.  From this height they could see the great square surrounding the palace, and the strange scenes being enacted therein.  It was crowded by thousands of people, for the most part seated on the ground, clad in garments of sack-cloth and throwing dust upon the heads of themselves, their wives and children.  From all this multitude a voice of supplication rose to heaven, which, even at that distance, reached the ears of Nehushta and her companion in a murmur of sound, constant and confused.

“They pray that the king may live,” said Amram.

“And I pray that he may die,” answered Nehushta.

The merchant shrugged his shoulders.  “I care nothing either way, provided that the peace is not disturbed to the injury of trade.  On the whole, however, he is a good king who causes money to be spent, which is what kings are for—­in Judaea—­where they are but feathers puffed up by the breath of Caesar, to fall if he cease to blow.  But look!”

As he spoke, a figure appeared upon the steps of the palace who made some communication to the crowd, whereon a great wail went up to the very skies.

“You have your wish,” said Amram; “Herod is dead or dying, and now, I suppose, as his son is but a child, that we shall be ruled by some accursed thief of a Roman procurator with a pocket like a sack without a bottom.  Surely that old bishop of yours who preached in the amphitheatre this morning, must have had a hint of what was coming, from his familiar spirit; or perhaps he saw the owl and guessed its errand.  Moreover, I think that troubles are brewing for others besides Herod, since the old man said as much.