heard it, expected it, contemplated it, till the magnitude and terror
of it had been lost in its familiarity. She clasped her hands and
dropped her eyes and her lips moved in a silent prayer.

Costobarus remained for a space sunk in glorified meditation. But
presently he raised himself, with signs of his recent feeling showing
on his face.

"Send hither thy mother; bid Aquila and our servants stand here before
me a little later."

She bowed and withdrew. As she passed out a servant stepped aside to
give her room and at a sign from his master approached.

"A messenger from Philip of Tyre," he said.

A moment later an old courier carrying a sheepskin wallet came into
the chamber. He salaamed and produced a tablet which he handed to
Costobarus.

Herewith, O my brother, I send thee one hundred talents. May it
prove part of the corner-stone of a new Israel. Peace to thee and
thine!

PHILIP OF TYRE.

Costobarus looked up at the old courier.

"Take my blessings to thy master. May he come to a high seat in that
new Israel which he hath helped to build! Farewell."