“To the quay,” said Amram, and they walked forward, choosing those thoroughfares that were most quiet. It was well for them that they did this, for now it was known that Agrippa’s sickness was mortal, the most of the soldiers were already in a state of mutiny, and, inflamed with wine, paraded the market-places and larger streets, shouting and singing obscene songs, and breaking into the liquor shops and private houses, where they drank healths to Charon, who was about to bear away their king in his evil bark. As yet, however, they had not begun killing those against whom they had a grudge. This happened afterwards, though it has nothing to do with our story.
Without trouble or molestation the party reached the quay, where a small boat with two Phœnician rowers was waiting for them. In it they embarked, except the slave, and were rowed out to the anchorage to board a large galley which lay half a mile or more away. This they did without difficulty, for the night was calm, although the air hung thick and heavy, and jagged clouds, wind-breeders as they were called, lay upon the horizon. On the lower deck of the galley stood its captain, a sour-faced man, to whom Amram introduced his passengers, who were, as he declared, relatives of his own proceeding to Alexandria.
“Good,” said the captain. “Show them to their cabin, for we sail as soon as the wind rises.”
To the cabin they went accordingly, a comfortable place stored with all that they could need; but as they passed to it Nehushta heard a sailor, who held a lantern in his hand, say to his companion:
“That woman is very like one whom I saw in the amphitheatre this morning when they gave the salute to King Agrippa.”
“The gods forbid it!” answered the other. “We want no Christians here to bring evil fortune on us.”
“Christians or no Christians, there is a tempest brewing, if I understand the signs of the weather,” muttered the first man.
In the cabin Amram bade his guests farewell.
“This is a strange adventure,” he said, “and one that I did not look for. May it prove to the advantage of us all. At the least I have done my best for your safety, and now we part.”
“You are a good man,” replied Rachel, “and whatever may befall us, I pray again that God may bless you for your kindness to His servants. I pray also that He may lead you to a knowledge of the truth as it was declared by the Lord and Master Whom we serve, that your soul may win salvation and eternal life.”