"I know that surely enough," said Baudillas; "I am of timorous stuff, and from childhood feared pain. But I have not denied Christ."
"What has brought you here?" asked Marcianus curtly.
"The counsel I give thou wilt not take. What saith the Scripture: 'He that putteth his hand to the plough and turneth back is not fit for the kingdom of God.' Thou wast called to a glorious confession, and looked back and ran away."
"Return and surrender, and win the crown and palm. But it is waste of breath to say such words to thee. I know thee. Wast thou subjected to torture?"
"No; not the rack, nor the torches, nor the hooks, nor the thumbscrews. Oh, none of these!"
"No, brother. It is true, I was scarce tried at all. Indeed, it was good luck--God forgive me!--it was through His mercy that I was saved from denying the faith. I was not even asked to sacrifice."
"Well; go thy ways. I cannot advise thee."
"Stay," said Baudillas. "I saw in the outer prison some of the faithful, but was in too great fear to recognize any. Who have been taken?"
"The last secured has been the widow Quincta. The pontiff and the _flamen_ Augustalis and the priestess of Nemausus swear that she shall be put on the rack and tortured till she reveals where her daughter is concealed, and that amiable drone, the acting magistrate, has given consent. Dost thou know where the damsel Perpetua is concealed?"
"Indeed, Marcianus, I know not. But tell me: hast thou not been inquired for? I have been told how that some have accused thee."
Marcianus started, and his face worked. "Bah! they dare not touch me. I belong to the Falerii; we have had magistrates in our family, and one clothed with the pro-consulship. They will not venture to lay hands on me."
"But what if they know, and it is known through the town, that it was thou who didst mutilate the statue of the founder?"
"Nay, thou deceivest thyself. It is known. Some of those who were at the Agape have spoken."
Marcianus rose and strode up and down the room, biting his nails. Then, contemptuously, he said: "My family will stand between me and mob or magistrate. I fear not. But get thee gone. Thou compromisest me by thy presence, thou runagate and jail-breaker."
"I came here but to notify my escape and to ask counsel of thee."