"And now let us hence to Ithiel." Back they went swiftly to the caves that were occupied by the Essenes during the rebuilding of their houses.

In a little cabin that was open to the air lay Ithiel.

The old man was on his death-bed, for age, hardship, and anxiety had done their work with him, so that now he was unable to stand, but reclined upon a pallet awaiting his release.

To him they told their story.
"God is merciful," he said, when he had heard it.

"I feared that she might be dead, for in the presence of so much desolation, my faith grows weak." "It may be so," answered Marcus, "but your merciful God will allow this maiden to be set up in the Forum at Rome and sold to the highest bidder.
It would have been better that she perished on the gate Nicanor." "Perhaps this same God," answered Ithiel with a faint smile, "will deliver her from that fate, as He has delivered her from many others.
Now what do you seek, my lord Marcus ?" "I seek liberty, which hitherto you have refused to me, Ithiel.