, and see him he would, and extract from him sufficient to
save him.

* * * * *

When the morning came, the Roman Proconsul saw the Greek in his cell. He
was not depressed, nor did he display any fear. He rose to meet Varro
with his usual courtesy, and, reaching out his hand, grasped firmly that
of his visitor.

'What doest thou here, Chios?'

'Varro, thou art not a stranger in Ephesus, and hast heard all. Nay,
more, thou knowest the seal stamped on the decree which bears my fate.'

'Chios, noble friend, I have come to do my best to save thee. Thou dost
not wish to die? art not tired of life--of the green fields, the summer
sea, the fleeting clouds of the setting sun? Nature has still a charm
for thee, I trust? Thou hast not darkened thy spirit with heinous sin,
hast thou?'

'No.'

'Then thou hast a friend in Varro.'

'How canst thou help me?'

'This way: give reason of thy being within that fatal Grove. I know thy
reason will be good, and thou shalt appeal to Nero. I will see to it
that it shall be so, and, further, that thou shalt live--free! Now, my
dear fellow, speak out, and give me hope. Speak, Chios; the house of
Venusta languisheth to aid thee. Nika would have come, but I thought it
better to be here myself.'

'Varro, friend in adversity, I have nothing to say. My life is
forfeited. Let it go. Man dies, and it is well to die with conscience
clear. Mine is so. No more have I to say but this: My studio--see it
safely closed. Let no profane eye dwell upon my leavings. When I have
passed, enter thou, take charge, sell all thou findest there; the
proceeds give to the poor of this great city. My parchments are there,
and, as directed by their superscription, deal with them.'

'Chios, do not throw thy life away! This very direction now dropped from
thy lips tells me thou couldst not be guilty of crime. There is some
deep-hidden secret resting within thy bosom dearer than life. I respect
thy courage, and will say no more. As a Roman soldier, I dare not.'

'Thanks, Varro, thanks. Thou art right in being silent.'

'Farewell, noble man; I leave thee to thy fate. It will do thee justice.
Farewell, farewell, Chios!'

* * * * *

When the Roman had gone, and Chios was alone, the pent-up feelings of
the Greek broke loose.

'No,' cried he, 'I will never betray Saronia! A thousand deaths, but not
that! She knows; she understands! When I die for her