They caught me, those devils, and seeing that I was still well-fed and strong, although sunk in years, demanded to know whence I had my food in this city of starvation.

To tell them would have been to give up our secret and to bring doom upon the brethren, and upon you, our guest and lady.

I refused to answer, so, having tortured me without avail, they cast me in here to starve, thinking that hunger would make me speak.

But I have not spoken.

How could I, who have taken the oath of the Essenes, and been their ruler?
Now at length I die." "Oh! say not so," said Miriam, wringing her hands.
"I do say it and I am thankful.