Conflicting argument strove to turn him from his path, but the old instinct, final resource after the mind gives up the puzzle, kept him straight on the road to Pella.
He came upon the rear of a flock of sheep, heading away from him.

A Natolian sheep-dog, galloping hither and thither in his labor at keeping them moving, scented the new-comer.

There was a quick savage bark that heightened at the end in an excited yelp of welcome.

The shepherd, a dim figure at the head of the flock, turned in time to see his dog leaping upon the Maccabee.
"Down, Urge," the shepherd cried.
"Joseph, in the name of God," the Maccabee cried, "where is Laodice ?" He threw off the excited dog and rushed toward the boy, who turned back at the cry with extended hands.
"True to thy promise, friend, friend!" the boy cried.

"She is here!" The Maccabee stiffened.
"Is there one with her ?" he demanded fiercely.
"A man and her servant." The Maccabee threw off the boy's hands.
"Where ?" he cried.
"Ahead of the sheep," the boy said a little uncertainly.
The Maccabee dashed through the flock and rounding a turn in the road came upon Laodice walking; behind her Momus; at her side was Julian of Ephesus.
Immense strain had sharpened their sense of fear until it was as acute as an instinct.