" Having said which, he turned, quickly,
and left the assessor's palace.
CHAPTER 21
Arria and her brother were far from the shores of Hellas and near the
Isle of Doom. Tepas knew that a few leagues more would bring him in
sight of the familiar cliffs. Brother and sister were reclining on the
deck of their trireme. The tenth day of their journey was near its
end. The sun had sunk through misty depths of purple, and now seemed
to melt and pour a flood of fire upon the waters.
"I am weary," said the girl, looking thoughtfully at the calm sea.
"Of me?" said her brother.
"Nay, but of that groaning of the rowers. It tells me of aching arms
in the galley. I cannot sleep at night, hearing it."
Appius laughed with amusement. "Little fool!" said he. "The slaves of
Tepas are all Jews."
"But they are men," said the beautiful girl; "and do you not
understand, dear brother? I love a man."
"Love!" exclaimed Appius, with contempt, "'Tis only as the longing of
the bird for its mate."
"Nay, I would give all for him I love.
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