ou Christians have wonderful fortitude. I admire your bravery; yet
still I think you might conform outwardly to the emperor's decree. Why
should you rush so madly upon death?"

"Our Redeemer died for us. We are ready to die for him. And since he
died for his people, we also are willing to imitate him and lay down our
lives for our brethren."

"You are wonderful people," said the man, raising his hands.

Marcellus now bade him farewell, and departed with his load. The news
which he had just heard filled his mind.

"So Lucullus has taken my place," thought he. "I wonder if he has turned
against me? Does he now think of me as his friend Marcellus, or only as
a Christian? I may soon find out. It would be strange indeed if I should
fall into his hands; and yet if I am captured it will probably be by him.

"Yet it is his duty as a soldier, and why should I complain? If he is
appointed to that office he can do nothing else than obey. As a soldier
he can only treat me as an enemy of the state. He may pity or love me in
his heart, yet he must not shrink from his duty.

"If a price is put on my head they will redouble their efforts for me.
My time I believe is at hand. Let me be prepared to meet it."

With such thoughts as these, he walked down the Appian Way. He was
wrapped up in his own meditations, and did not see a crowd of people
that had gathered at a corner of a street until he was among them. Then
he suddenly found himself stopped.

"Ho, friend!" cried a rude voice, "not so fast. Who are you, and where
are you going?"

"Away," cried Marcellus in a tone of command natural to one who had
ruled over men; and he motioned the man aside.

The crowd were awe-struck by his authoritative tone and imperious
manner, but their spokesman showed more courage.

"Tell us who you are, or you shall not pass."

"Fellow," cried Marcellus, "stand aside! Do you not know me? I am a
Pretorian."

At that dreaded name the crowd quickly opened, and Marcellus passed
through it. But scarcely had he moved five paces away than a voice
exclaimed:

"Seize him! It is the Christian, Marcellus!"

A shout arose from the crowd. Marcellus needed no further warning.
Dropping his load, he started off down a side street toward the Tiber.
The whole crowd pursued. It was a race for life, and death. But
Marcellus had been trained to every athletic sport, and increased the
distance between himself and his pursuers. At last he reached the Tiber,
and