The knife, blindly wielded, glanced on the Maccabee's head with wild force.

Under a veil of scarlet Philadelphus sank to the earth.
Julian with a sob of terror sprang out of range of his victim's gaze.
After a time he took courage and looked.

The lids were fallen and the breast was still.
Julian bent hastily and snatched the signet from the nerveless hand and fumbling in the bosom drew forth the wallet there.

He opened it, finding within ancient parchments with heavy seals, new writings, rolls of notes and a packet of letters.

He rose, trembling violently, and backed away.