The mountain streams provided them with fish, and the woods with wild rabbits and hares, for meat. They constructed huts with twigs and reeds curiously plaited together, and covered with a sticky clay which, when mixed with water, kept out the rain and the wind.
The life was a hard one, but it was peaceful, and none of those who had given up all for Christ turned regretful looks backward.
The leading spirit amongst the women was Agatha, who was always cheerful and full of hope.
Anna’s skill with her hands was much appreciated, and the women of the little band were taught by her to plait their hair, and mend their torn garments, with the delicate spikes of the fir-trees for needles, and slender strands of dried, long grass for thread.
Amphibalus returned from one of his missionary expeditions early one morning. By common consent Agatha was considered the adviser-in-chief of the community, and Amphibalus came at once to the hut where she and Anna were busily engaged in tying up the long leaves of the bulrush and iris, which were to be twisted into wicks for the rude lamps that were to lighten the long winter nights. The oil was made from the fat of the animals which were snared for food, and carefully preserved by Agatha’s orders.
Amphibalus’s face was grave and anxious when he appeared at the door or opening of the hut, and he beckoned Agatha to come outside.
“Is aught wrong?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, “the heathen idolaters of the old British gods have discovered our hiding-place, and they will be upon us with more fierceness than the Romans. I dread them, daughter, more than I dread the Roman torture. Not for myself,” he added, “but for the weak women and maidens, and the young boys in our community. I have seen a horde of these wild people, with fierce and threatening aspect, yesterday, and overheard their jargon, which, as far as I made it out, told of enmity and bad intentions. An effort must be made to escape from their clutches, and we must separate, the women under protection of the bravest men amongst us, and take different ways through the forest. This village must be broken up, and we must leave as little trace behind us as we can. But I would fain gather the people together for a last word of prayer and praise, and break the bread and drink the cup once more ere we part.”
By mid-day, nearly all his people had assembled, and Amphibalus then addressed them. He told them he had reason to believe they were discovered by their enemies, and that the church must be scattered. But he added—
“Let it be scattered as seed. Let every one of you hold fast the faith, and wherever you wander, tell the people of the God whom you serve, and be not afraid to confess Christ. As for myself, I feel that the time of my departure is at hand, and I will gladly follow the dear and honoured Alban, who laid down his life for me. Weep not for me, for I may say, ‘I am ready to be offered, and I fear not.’”