After the usual questions and precautions, a brother was admitted who informed them that there had arrived in the village, at the head of a considerable retinue, Benoni, the Jewish merchant of Tyre.

He stated that he desired speech with them on the subject of his granddaughter Miriam, who, he learned, was, or had been recently, in their charge.
"Here may be an answer to the riddle," said the President.

"We know of this Benoni, also that he purposed to demand his granddaughter of us, though until he did so it was not for us to speak." Then he put it to the Court that Benoni should be admitted.
To this they agreed, and presently the Jew came, splendidly attired, his long white beard flowing down a robe that glittered with embroideries of gold and silver.

Entering the dim, cool hall, he stared in amazement at the long half-circles of venerable, white-robed men who were gathered there.

Next his quick eyes fell upon the lovely maiden who, attended by the dark-visaged Nehushta, sat before them on a seat of honour; and looking, he guessed that she must be Miriam.
"Little wonder," reflected Benoni to himself, "that all men seem to love this girl, since at the first sight of her my own heart softens." Then he bowed to the President of the Court and the President bowed back in answer.