Nothing occurred to Julian at that moment but to impersonate the Maccabee until it was possible to get possession of the two hundred talents from those friends in Jerusalem who were interested in his cousin's welfare.

No one in Jerusalem knew Philadelphus Maccabaeus.

Aquila, as fellow-conspirator, would not dare to expose him if Julian appeared as his cousin.
Perilous at best, it seemed the only plan by which he was to get possession of a fortune which even Caesar would be glad to have.
The resolution formed itself in a brain turbulent with passion and desperation.

He halted silently back of his cousin and with a sudden flare of intent on his dead white face snatched a dagger from his girdle and drove it between the shoulders of the Maccabee.

Without a word, Philadelphus turned upon his assailant and started to his feet.
But Julian, catching a glimpse of the dire purpose in his cousin's darkened eyes, struck again.