Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/404

Rh knew it, he caught my hand eagerly, and led me to a hole like that through which we were accustomed to pass him his food. Though large enough to push your helmet through, it escaped me yesterday. Still holding my hand, he put his face to the hole and gave a beast-like cry. A sound came faintly back. I was astonished, and drew him away, and called out, ’Ho, here!’ At first there was no answer. I called again, and received back these words, ’Be thou praised, O Lord!’ Yet more astonishing, O tribune, the voice was a woman’s. And I asked, ’Who are you?’ and had reply, ’A woman of Israel, entombed here with her daughter. Help us quickly, or we die.’ I told them to be of cheer, and hurried here to know your will.&quot;

The tribune arose hastily.

&quot;Thou wert right, Gesius,&quot; he said, &quot;and I see now. The map was a lie, and so was the tale of the three men. There have been better Romans than Valerius Gratus.&quot;

&quot;Yes,&quot; said the keeper. &quot;I gleaned from the prisoner that he had regularly given the women of the food and drink he had received.&quot; &quot;It is accounted for,&quot; replied the tribune, and observing the countenances of his friends, and reflecting how well it would be to have witnesses, he added, &quot;Let us rescue the women. Come all.&quot;

Gesius was pleased.

&quot;We will have to pierce the wall,&quot; he said. &quot;I found where a door had been, but it was filled solidly with stones and mortar.&quot;

The tribune stayed to say to a clerk, &quot;Send workmen after me with tools. Make haste; but hold the report, for I see it will have to be corrected.&quot;

In a short time they were gone.

&quot; of Israel, entombed here with her daughter. Help us quickly, or we die.&quot;

Such was the reply Gesius, the keeper, had from the cell