"None has a better lord!" replied Marsyas quietly, but with an inward delight in leading the old man on.
"But it should be more lawful for thee to serve a Jew," Peter declared. "A Roman's slave, a slave for ever; a Jew's slave, a slave but six years—"
Marsyas could rest no longer under the intimation of bondage.
"Good sir, I am not a slave."
"Ho! a hireling."
"No; a free man, unattached and serving for love."
Peter scratched his head. "For love only? Then why not come and be my steward for wages?"
"Thou canst not pay my price," he said with meaning.
The old man lifted his withered chin.
"Thy price!" he repeated haughtily. "And pray, sirrah, what is thy price?"