those who live there."

"Who live there?"

"The fossors, who still excavate sand for the builders. They are nearly
all Christians, and are always at work cutting out graves for the dead
of the Christians. These men have lived there all their lives, and are
not only familiar with the passages, but they have a kind of instinct to
guide them."

"Were you ever in the Catacombs?"

"Once, long ago, a fossor guided me. I remained but a short time. My
impression was that it was the most terrible place in all the world."

"I have heard of the Catacombs, but never before knew anything about
them. It is strange that they are so little known. Could not these
fossors be engaged to lead the guards through this labyrinth?"

"No. They will not betray the Christians."

"Have they been tried?"

"Certainly. Some comply, and lead the officers of justice through a
network of passages till they get bewildered. Their torches become
extinguished, and they grow terrified. Then they ask to be led back. The
fossor declares that the Christians must have fled, and so takes back
the soldiers to the starting point."

"Are none resolute enough to continue on till they find the Christians?"

"If they insist upon continuing the search the fossor will lead them on
forever. But he merely leads them through the countless passages which
intersect some particular district."

"Are none found who will actually betray the fugitives?"

"Sometimes; but of what use is it? Upon the first alarm, every Christian
vanishes through the side ways, which open everywhere."

"My prospect of success seems small."

"Very small, but much is hoped from your boldness and shrewdness. If you
succeed in this enterprise it will be your fortune. And now, farewell.
You have learned from me all that I know. You will find no difficulty in
learning more from any one of the fossors."

So saying, Lucullus departed. Marcellus leaned his head on his hands,
and lost himself in thought. But ever amid his meditations came floating
the strains of that glorious melody which told of triumph over death:

"Unto Him that loved us,
To him that washed us from our sins--"

CHAPTER III.

THE APPIAN WAY.

"Sepulchers in sad array
Guard the ashes of the mighty
Slumbering on the Appian Way."

Marcellus entered upon the duty that lay before him without delay. Upon
the following day he set out upon his investigations. It was merely a
journey of inquiry, so h