led his eyes as, throwing out his hands
towards one who seemed to him to be delivering his death sentence, he
fell heavily upon his knees and poured forth:

"There, there, master, here's your sword, keener and brighter than ever.
Draw it and put me out of my misery at once. I won't say a word, only
give you a last look like that of a faithful hound who has died in your
service. Kill me at once, and let that be the end, but now that you are
coming to your rights again after all these weary years of waiting, and
are going to fight for brave old Rome, don't throw me over as if I was a
helpless log. Think what it means to an old soldier who never turned
his back upon an enemy in his life. Use your sword on me, master, if
you feel that I'm not the man to draw my own again; but don't--pray
don't leave me behind!"

Marcus felt ready to join his petition to that of the old soldier, but
he could not speak, only stand and listen to his father's words, as he
stepped forward to lay his hand upon the man's shoulder.

"Serge," he said, in a voice full of emotion--"brave old follower--true
old friend, I could sternly order you to obey my commands, but I can
only beg of you as you do of me. Rise up, man, and hear me. I would
gladly take you with me and have you always at my back, but we cannot do
everything we would. In my absence, Serge, your place is here to
protect my boy. It is your duty, and perhaps the last command I shall
ever give you, for the Gauls are stout warriors and it is no child's
play that takes me from my home. I beg, then, as well as order. Stay
and protect my son."

"But you don't know, master, how you may be surrounded by enemies ready
to strike at you."

"No," said Cracis, firmly, and there was a ring of command in his tones.
"Neither do I know how closely my boy may be hemmed in, and I want to
leave here with the peaceful feeling that, whatever happens, my son has
one beside him that I can always trust. Your duty, Serge, is here, and
I leave Marcus in your charge. Now, no more save this: Rise up like my
trusted servant. Duty calls me away, not only as a counsellor, but also
as one of my country's generals. Now help me with my armour, for I go
forth to fight. There have been words enough. Take the example of my
son. He feels the bitterness of being left behind as much as you. Now,
quick! We have lost too much time already. Caius Julius awaits my
coming, and my heart is burning to be free f