ou
must come and assist me at my devotions."

"I cannot," said the boy firmly.

"Why not?"

"I am a Christian."

"I knew it. And you have friends, in the Catacombs, and you are going
there now. They are the destitute people to whom you are carrying
provisions, and the errand on which you are is for them."

The boy held down his head and was silent. "I want you now to take me to
the entrance of the Catacombs."

"O, generous soldier, have mercy! Do not ask me that. I cannot do it!"

"You must."

"I will not betray my friends."

"You need not. It is nothing to show the entrance among the many
thousands that lead down below. Do you think that the guards do not know
every one?"

The boy thought for a moment, and at length signified his assent.

Marcellus took his hand and followed his lead. The boy turned away to
the right of the Appian Way, when he walked a short distance. Here he
came to an uninhabited house. He entered, and went down into the cellar.
There was a door which apparently opened into a closet. The boy pointed
to this, and stopped.

"I wish to go down," said Marcellus, firmly.

"You would not dare to go down alone surely, would you?"

"The Christians say that they do not commit murder. Why then should I
fear? Lead on."

"I have no torches."

"But I have some. I came prepared. Go on."

"I cannot."

"Do you refuse?"

"I must refuse," said the boy. "My friends and my relatives are below.
Sooner than lead you to them I would die a hundred deaths."

"You are bold. You do not know what death is."

"Do I not? What Christian can fear death? I have seen many of my friends
die in agony, and I have helped bury them. I will not lead you there.
Take me away to prison."

The boy turned away.

"But if I take you away what will your friends think? Have you a mother?"

The boy bowed his head and burst into a passion of tears. The mention of
that dear name had overcome him.

"I see that you have, and that you love her. Lead me down, and you shall
join her again."

"I will never betray them. I will die first. Do with me as you wish."

"If I had any evil intentions," said Marcellus, "do you think I would go
down unaccompanied?"

"What can a soldier, and a Pretorian, want with the persecuted
Christians, if not to destroy them?"

"Boy, I have no evil intentions. If you guide me down below I swear I
will not use my knowledge against your friends. When I am below I will
be a prisoner, and they