The old man rubbed his hands. "An engaging picture," he said. "But unless I haste, they will ruin me yet!"
Marsyas shook his head. "Not if the tales of thy famous wealth be true."
The lectica had moved along beside him and he waited now to be dismissed; but, contrary to custom of that rank which is privileged to command, the old man waited for Marsyas to take his leave.
"Methinks," he began, "I have seen thee--"
"Doubtless," Marsyas interrupted hastily. "I am a steward here in Ptolemais. But I have an errand here, good sir; by thy leave, I shall depart."
The old man made a motion of assent, but he followed the young Essene with a thoughtful eye.
"If I am to know the world's way," Marsyas said to himself, "I can use it, if need be."
He did not visit another usurer, but on the following day went to those places likely to be the haunts of Peter. When, presently, he discovered the old man near a fountain, Marsyas did not attempt to catch his eye. But one of Peter's servants touched him on the arm and told him that the master beckoned, and he hastened to the old man's side.
Marsyas winced, but restrained a declaration of his free-born state.
"A Roman citizen who is preparing to return to Italy."
"A Roman!" Peter repeated. "But thou art a Jew, or the blood of the race in thee lies."
"A Jew without taint of other blood in all the line."
"Art satisfied with thy service--serving a Roman?" was the demand.
"None has a better lord!" replied Marsyas quietly, but with an inward delight in leading the old man on.
"But it should be more lawful for thee to serve a Jew," Peter declared. "A Roman's slave, a slave for ever; a Jew's slave, a slave but six years--"
Marsyas could rest no longer under the intimation of bondage.
"No; a free man, unattached and serving for love."
Peter scratched his head. "For love only? Then why not come and be my steward for wages?"
"Thou canst not pay my price," he said with meaning.
"Thy price!" he repeated haughtily. "And pray, sirrah, what is thy price?"
A figurative answer to add to his first sententious remark was on Marsyas' lips, but he halted suddenly, and a little pallor came into his face.
"On another day, I shall tell thee," he said after a silence, and the old man impatiently dismissed him.