A mist fell upon Caleb's eyes, in which lights flashed like red-hot swords lifting and smiting, the blood drummed in his ears as though his raging, jealous heart would burst.
He would kill that Roman now on the spot.

Miriam should never kiss him more--alive.
Already Caleb had drawn the short-sword from its hiding-place in his ample robe; already he had stepped out from the shadow of the trees, when of a sudden his reason righted itself like a ship that has been laid over by a furious squall, and caution came back to him.

If he did this that faithless guardian, Nehushta, who without doubt had been bought with Roman gold, would come to the assistance of her patron and thrust her dagger through his back, as she well could do.

Or should he escape that dagger, one or other of them would raise the Essenes on him, and he would be given over to justice.

He wished to slay, not to be slain.