here
shone the light which I had been seeking these many years. Aye, and I
clasped that light to my bosom to be my lamp in life and death.

So a day came when my beloved master, Barnabas, who would allow no
delay in this matter, baptised me in his cell with water taken from his
drinking vessel, charging me to make public profession before the Church
when opportunity should arise.

It was just at this time that Irene returned from the Baths, and I sent
to her a written report of all that had happened at the prison since I
had been appointed its governor. Also I prayed that if it were her will
I might be relieved of my office, as it was one which did not please me.

A few days later, while I sat in my chamber at the prison writing
a paper concerning a prisoner who had died, the porter at the gate
announced that a messenger from the Augusta wished to see me. I bade
him show in the messenger, and presently there entered no chamberlain or
eunuch, but a woman wrapped in a dark cloak. When the man had gone and
the door was shut, she threw off the cloak and I saw that my visitor
was Martina, the favourite waiting-lady of the Empress. We greeted each
other warmly, who were always friends, and I asked her tidings.

"My tidings are, Olaf, that the waters have suited the Augusta very
well. She has lost several pounds in weight and her skin is now like
that of a young child."

"All health to the Augusta!" I said, laughing. "But you have not come
here to tell me of the state of the royal skin. What next, Martina?"

"This, Olaf. The Empress has read your report with her own eyes, which
is a rare thing for her to do. She said she wished to see whether or
no you could write Greek. She is much pleased with the report, and told
Stauracius in my presence that she had done well in choosing you for
your office while she was absent from the city, since thereby she had
saved the lives of the Caesars and _Nobilissimi_, desiring as she does
that these princes should be kept alive, at any rate for the present.
She accedes also to your prayer, and will relieve you of your office
as soon as a new governor can be chosen. You are to return to guard her
person, but with your rank of general confirmed."

"That is all good news, Martina; so good that I wonder what sting is
hidden in all this honey."

"That you will find out presently, Olaf. One I can warn you of,
however--the sting of jealousy. Advancement such as yours draws eyes to
you, not a