Benoni listened patiently until she had done.  Then he answered with contempt: 

“So says the book of your Law, but mine tells me otherwise.  Well, child, if you believe it and are afraid, begone with your friends, the Christians, and leave me to meet this storm alone.”

“I do believe it,” she answered quietly, “but I am not afraid.”

“That is strange,” he said, “since you must then believe also that you will come to a cruel death, which has terrors for the young and fair.”

“Not so, grandfather, for this same writing promises that in these troubles not one of us Christians shall perish.  It is for you that I fear, not for myself, who will go where you go, and bide where you bide.  Therefore, once more, and for the last time, I pray you to be wise and fly—­who otherwise must be slain”; and as Miriam said the words her blue eyes filled with tears.

Benoni looked at her and for a moment his courage was shaken.

“Of your book I take no account,” he said, “but in the vision of your pure spirit I am tempted to believe.  Perhaps the things that you foresee will happen, so, child, fly.  You will not lack an escort and I can give you treasure.”

She shook her head.  “I have said that I will not go without you.”

“Then I fear that you here must bide, for I will not leave my wealth and home, even to save my life, and still less will I desert my people in their holy war.  Only, Miriam, if things fall out ill for us, remember that I entreated you to depart, and do not reproach me.”

“That I shall never do,” she answered, smiling, and coming to the old man kissed him tenderly.

So they abode on in Tyre, and a week later the storm burst.

For many days it had not been safe for Jews to show themselves in the streets of the city, since several who crept out about their business, or to fetch water or provisions, had been set upon and beaten to death by the mob, stirred up to the work by Roman emissaries.  This time Benoni had employed in putting his house, which was part of an ancient fortress that had stood many a siege, into a state of defence, and in supplying it with an ample store of victuals.  Also he sent messengers to Caleb, who was said to be in command of the Jewish force at Joppa, telling him of their peril.  Because it was so strong many of the principal Jews in Tyre, to the number of over a hundred indeed, had flocked into Benoni’s palace-fortress, together with their wives and children, since there was no other place in their power in the town which could be so easily defended.  Lastly, in the outer courts and galleries were stationed fifty or more faithful servants and slaves who understood the use of arms.

Thus things remained, the Syrians threatening them through the gates or from the windows of high houses, and no more, till one night Miriam was awakened by a dreadful sound of screaming.  She sprang from her bed and instantly Nehushta was at her side.