Evening star., 1926-11-14
CHAPTER XXxIv.

WE IUAI u IudI . NOlCGs 08kCU
Antonius. 1T seemed too full and
clear for q woman's cry
The shrek rang out again.
"A mans voice." affirmed Omar He
waited for a repetition of the sound.
It came, but more family. Certain
Of the tetrarch's soldiers filed past
the rear OF the inn," the stranger
went on, while Herod passed in
front"
What kind of soldiery?" Antonius
asked
"Dark-skinned men mercenaries
from the north Of Africa" Omar said
And l think they found the three
Arabians you wounded IN your pri
vate battle"
He went out the door. Returning.
his face wore A quiet smile. Il was
right" he said. They were twist
ing their spears in the Arabians
wounds. to make them tell what had
become Of their comrades"
HAS their chief escaped?" An
tonius asked.
"Surely-the men whom you left
unwounded would not have gone, II
they could not bear their leader with
them. They have made their escape
and I doubt If Herod's soldiers catch
them" He paused. to yawn. THE
tetrarch's men are carrying away the
three wounded prisoners now. They
have fallen unconscious"
Il wonder" said Antonius. re-
iectively. why the tetrarchs troops
did not search this room"
His companion smiled broadly.
Look, soldier He indicated his
head-dress, and pointed to his breast
plate and his sword. What does this
garb Of mine reSemble?"
IAN officers" said Antonius.
'Right-an officer in the mercenary
guard" Omar said. why do you
suppose l stood in this doorway the
entire time Herod's troops were pass
ing?"
The soldier looked inquiringly.
ITO keep them from entering"
Omar went on. Soldiers do not force
their way past a high officer. Remem-
Der, soldier-Omar takes care Of his
own, and he places a high value on
Antonius." His manner was friend
ly in the extreme. I'm short. I expect
great things Of you, when your hurt
is healed"
Antonius still looked at him, with
the light Of speculation in his eyes.
No" said Omar. as If the other
had spoken. II am not an officer in
Herod's army. I am"-he hesitated
merely a traveller"
"A traveller" commented the SOL
dier, with strange ways"
you. If you only are prepared to lis
ten," Omar retorted. Il asked you
II you were willing to go into the
desert, let your leg heal there. and
when you are able to walk again. un-
dertake to train troops to initiate the
Roman legions."
He drew closer, and dropped his
. voice. Years ago the Emperor
Augustus sent a regiment Of Germans
and another Of Gauls to be household
troops for Herod's father. Those of
them who still live are old men now
but some of them are in the country
beyond the mountains, training sol
diers for this invasion. Each works
for a reward. WIN you work for a
reward, Antonius?"
The soldier scratched his chin.
why do the Parthians need drill
masters" he asked. They are won.
derful fighters now-and they under
stand the bow and arrow, which do
not"
omar made a gesture Of impatience.
II told you, mani told you before.
The intent is that they are to march
into Judaea and Galilee disguised as
Roman troops, armed and marching
as the Romans march. They Will
not look like Romans in their faces,
truly, but neither. do the barbarians
that your emperor trains. and sends
forth
"A good thought" Antonius said.
and clever. But they will need long
drilling"
And that is why need you to
come" said Omar.
Antonius' forehead was corrugated
In thought 1T would be easier
would it not, to send spies into the
land. to learn where this new king is
to be found? There would be report
Of him. among the Jews"
IT have myself been the length and
breadth Of the land" said Omar,
gloomily. Il have sought out all
those Of the ancient royal blood Of
Israel, and have not found one who
can ever seize a throne. l know men,
soldier. and there is not a mighty man
of war among them! Yet the proph'
esy, / know. is true. A new King
walks the earth even now, unrecog-
nised."
His chin dropped upon his breast.
Arms folded, downcast lids yelling his
brilliant black eyes, he pondered be-
fore he spoke again. more to himself
than to Antonius. "Herod the king
slew all the babes in Bethlehem. three
SCORE years ago-our army must take
other measures. for Herod failed"
thoughtful air gone. and his eyes
sparkling with merriment. But
whether we succeed or fail. there will
be much pleasure" he said. Plum
der, riches. rich foods and raiment.
and the tetrarchs wine-eh. An
tonius? And when you are a general.
you may rule in Jerusalem. perhaps.
in place Of Caesars envoy"'
IT shall not fight against Caesar.
nor Caesars envoy" said Antonius,
stubbornly. but send me against
this Herod Antipas-provided no
Roman troops are in his train"
Omar stepped over and patted him
on the shoulder. ''Bravely spoken"
he said You have accepted again
my offer"
IIis hand dipped beneath his robe
that the soldier had seen before.
'fYcurs. soldier-when you have
asns my .oidding."
Xntonius moved. to ease his back
'2ut now" he said, some money
wVuld help more-though want the
stAsEald." he FASTENED to add.
EYou shall be provided" Omar said.
moving toward tho door. Await the
naxt conner to tho inn-and use your
opportunity"
Ae was gone. Antonius felt rue
fully at his waist, whore once his
rh0Sf&y belt had been. Then. drawing
hiSraelf forward carefully, he set
a&out. collecting the victuals that
fAlia had brought, and that had been
kiclted around the room in his fight
VIII the Arabians. Back at the door
wSS again. he ate hungrily. washing
de1kn the dry food with wine from the
AZ that the tr1besman had brought
haa chief.
After this. he watched the street ex-
uHctantly. awaiting the visitor that
6fsAx had promised.
'ft was nearing nightfall before his