Chapter 22

‘Let’s step behind these rose-bushes,’ said Voldi soberly. ‘We mustn’t be seen together. I’ve only a moment to stay.’

‘Very well. Talk fast. I’ll listen. What’s up?’

Voldi proceeded rapidly with his story.

‘Aulus told me where you were, Mencius.’

‘I was expecting you.’

‘You know what happened in the night at the Embassy. The mob all but wrecked the building. Antipas is badly frightened, as he need be, and expects to leave within the hour for Tiberias. He has engaged a small detachment of cavalry from the Capernaum Fort to accompany the caravan. He will ride his own horse. I am to ride Darik.’

‘But you aren’t going all the way to Tiberias, I think,’ put in Mencius, with a knowing grin.

‘Probably not. There are bandits in the Samaritan mountains. They may attack us. Our force is small. Someone may get hurt…I may be looking for some place to go—in a hurry. What are your travel-plans, Mencius?’

‘I’m here to deliver an important letter to one of the visiting Legates. I shall do that this morning. Then I ride to Joppa, where my ship is ready to sail. We will wait there until you come.’

‘Have you room in your hold for Darik?’

‘Of course!…But I thought you had sold Darik to the Tetrarch?’

‘He may not need a horse—after tomorrow night.’ Voldi was getting restless to be on his way.

‘Good luck!’ said Mencius earnestly. ‘We’ll be on the lookout for you. It’s The Vestris. New pier number seven.’

‘If I’m not there by noon Sunday, don’t wait any longer; for I’ll not be coming…By the way, what’s your next port?’

‘Gaza—and then home. Will you come with us, all the way?’

‘It depends. I don’t know. I must go now!’

Mencius clutched his sleeve.

‘Your “Torchbearer” seems to be doomed. Any news about that?’

‘Aulus says they carried him off to the Sanhedrin, hoping for authority to try him before Pilate. If they succeed, the trial may be held this morning…Did you see him?’

‘Yes—but I didn’t hear him speak. I saw him scourged. It’s a strange case. I’m full of curiosity about the man. Perhaps I’ll go down to the Insula—and see what happens.’

‘It’s all up with him, I’m afraid.’

‘Doubtless. If Pilate consents to hear the case at all, he will probably accommodate them with a decision. If the Sanhedrin’s at the back of it—’

‘That’s the trouble. They’re in the driver’s seat.’

‘Still think he’s the “Torchbearer”?’

‘Perhaps; I don’t know.’

‘Think a Torchbearer would let himself be condemned to death?’

‘It’s possible. Socrates did. I’ll see you on Sunday—I hope.’

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