The Rider Haggard Library

Pearl-Maiden Chapter 18 - The Death-Struggle Of Israel

In which the sombre veil of mist conceals the grievous plight of Miriam as she struggles against harsh bonds amidst the fiery ruin and bitter last stand of Jerusalem’s defenders, watching the Temple’s majestic destruction and feeling the silent withdrawal of divine favour. In this dreary hour, Roman soldiers capture the faint and forsaken maiden, tenderly sparing her amidst the desolation, while their general, Titus, with stern command, decrees her preservation as a symbol in his impending triumph.

Pearl-Maiden Chapter 17 - The Gate Of Nicanor

In which Miriam, bound and defiant, faces the grim prospect of punishment beneath the gaze of her foes, while the siege of the Temple rages fiercely around her. Through the long hours of fire, conflict, and haunting visions, she endures with a steadfast spirit amidst the gathering shadows of fate and judgment.

Pearl-Maiden Chapter 16 - The Sanhedrim

In which the beleaguered city sees Miriam captured and brought before the dwindling Sanhedrim, where gory accusations and grim judgments fall upon her amidst the grim backdrop of siege and despair. Within these faltering walls, she encounters the wasted Theophilus and mourns the collapse of her people, all the while clinging to faith and hope amidst the encroaching ruin.

Kidnapped Chapter 2 - I Come to My Journey’s End

In which a young traveller, traversing the rugged countryside with a heart full of hope, seeks the mysterious house of Shaws only to encounter cold suspicion and a shadow of ill-repute that darkens the once-promising adventure. Despite the eerie silence and a forbidding welcome marked by a loaded blunderbuss, he resolutely delivers his letter and gains entry into the ill-fated abode, setting the stage for the tale that is to follow.

Pearl-Maiden Chapter 15 - What Passed In The Tower

In which the beleaguered city of Jerusalem endures a relentless siege marked by famine, desperate sorties, and the fierce struggle between Roman legions and Jewish defenders, as observed by the steadfast Miriam from her perch in a deserted tower. Amidst this turmoil, she witnesses harrowing encounters and resolves to aid the wounded Roman Prefect Marcus, whose fate hangs precariously amid the chaos surrounding them.