Marsyas pressed the Nazarene's hand to his lips, because his gratitude would not be expressed otherwise. Safe, then, for the moment, and out of reach of Saul of Tarsus!
"Do ye fare thither? even now?" Marsyas asked, eager to attach himself to the body of apostates, if they led him on to Lydia.
"Nay, we are certain of the faith on watch, lest any ignorant of the peril besetting the brethren should approach the city."
"Ye are close unto the oppressor," Marsyas said seriously.
"We abide in the will of the Lord."
Marsyas sighed. He had seen another, believing in the promise of the Lamb, go down unto death. The recurring thought of Stephen, never wholly forgotten, awakened in him another impulse. He would not go straightway to Damascus, and continue to retreat from Saul. The hand of the Lord had led him unto the Pharisee, and he would do that which lay nearest him.
"And when I come unto Damascus, how shall I find her?" he asked of the Nazarene.
"Go unto Ananias, a brother in the Lord, and tell him thy story. Lo, he is keeper of the Lord's flock, and filled with the Spirit. Thou wilt not ask in vain!"
"Thou hast my thanks, and my blessing!" Marsyas said. "And the forgiveness of the Lord cover you all!"
"Peace, young brother, and the love of Christ be with thee ever more!"