length he uttered a few words in Greek, and was at once perfectly comprehended by one of the strangers. From the implements of husbandry visible it was clear that younger men still inhabited the place, but they were nowhere seen. A simple meal and a lodging were cheerfully provided as soon as it became ascertained that the visit was not accompanied with evil intentions. The old gentleman waited upon his guests himself, and left them to their repose, complete masters of one of the huts which constituted the complex habitation.
“What are they?” eagerly inquired the old lady of the place as soon as all was quiet. “What does it mean, do you think? More emissaries to do the evil work of our destroyers? More secret agents of the hated Latin man come to uproot our ancient faith and show his myrmidons the by-ways of our land that he may grasp our inheritance to nourish his persecuting superstition? What think you, father?”
“Be assured, good heart,” said the old man, “our new friends are no servants of the Latin tyrant. They are both men of grave, if not reverend aspect, and express themselves with all due ceremony. The elder is somewhat swarthy of complexion, and I judge about fifty years of age. From his dress and language I consider him a Hebrew of the Spanish stock, and I should infer a man of sound learning after his system. His dress corresponds to his personality, and is of the Hebrews’, without ostentation or concealment. His language is that of a scholar;
