leaping in, he swam to the opposite side.

The pursuers reached the river's brink, but followed no further.

CHAPTER X.

THE ARREST.

"The trial of your faith worketh patience."

Honorius was seated in the chapel with one or two others, among whom was
the lady Caecilia. The feeble rays of a single lamp but faintly
illuminated the scene. They were silent and sad. A deeper melancholy
than usual rested upon them. Around them was the sound of footsteps and
of voices and a confused murmur of life.

Suddenly a quick step was heard, and Marcellus entered. The occupants of
the chapel sprang up with cries of joy.

"Where is Pollio?" cried Caecilia eagerly.

"I have not seen him," said Marcellus.

"Not seen him! said Caecilia, and she fell back upon her seat.

"Why? Is he beyond his time?"

"He ought to have returned six hours ago, and I am sick with anxiety."

"O there is no danger," said Marcellus soothingly. "He can take care of
himself." He tried to pass it off with a careless tone, but his looks
belied his words.

"No danger!" said Caecilia. "Alas! we know too well what new dangers
there are. Never has it been so dangerous as now."

"What has delayed you, Marcellus? We had begun to give you up."

"I was stopped near the Via Alba," said Marcellus. "I dropped my load
and ran to the river. The crowd followed, but I jumped into the river
and swam across. There I took a circuitous route among the streets on
the opposite side, after which I came across again and reached this
place in safety."

"You had a narrow escape. A price is on your head."

"Have you heard it?"

"Yes, and much more. We have heard of the redoubled efforts which they
are making to crush us. All through the day tidings of sorrow have been
reaching us. We must rely more than ever on Him who alone can save us."

"We can baffle them still," said Marcellus hopefully.

"They watch our principal entrances," said Honorius.

"Then we can make new ones. The openings are numberless."

"They have offered rewards for all the prominent brethren."

"What then? We will guard those brethren more carefully than ever."

"Our means of living are gradually lessening."

"But there are as many bold and faithful hearts as ever. Who is afraid
to risk his life now? There will never cease to be a supply of food so
long as we live in the Catacombs. If we escape pursuit we bring help to
our brethren; if we die we receive the crown of martyrdom."

"Y