It stared with open eyes at the woman who, filled with voluptuous horror, leaned closely against the prince.

Then the mouth of the head opened and spoke the words: "The Kingdom of God is near at hand!" Horror and confusion filled the banqueting hall.

"Who dared to say that ?" shouted several voices.

"'Twas the head of the prophet who prophesies even in death!" Then a tumult arose in the palace, for this was the most terrible horror that the golden halls had ever seen.

Long-restrained fury suddenly burst forth--the town was in flames, the men of Jerusalem rioted.