“Whither shall we flee?” said one poor woman. “We had come in from the country, footsore and weary, when we were seized. We were resting on the steps of the monument of Cæcilia Metella, when we were asked if we had attended the great sacrifice in the temple of Jupiter. Nay, we said, for we are Christians and worship only the Lord Jesus.”
“I can take you to comparative safety,” Anna said, “if you will come with me. It will be a refuge for you; you will be taken care of.”
One of the women said, “We are poor peasant women, who have come into the city to get food. The Lord seemed to point the way, and we knew there were good Christians in Rome.”
“There are good Christians,” said Anna, “but persecution is raging amongst them now. Lean on me and we will try to find a safe place.”
“I suppose I must not leave you,” Rebekah said, “but I would we had not met the poor wretches.”
Then by slow degrees the poor women passed along the sacred way amongst the great monuments of the past glory of Rome, till they turned in at a low opening in the wall, and a voice said—
“Who enters?”
“In the name of Christ,” was Anna’s answer.
Then out of the darkness a tiny spark was seen burning. It was the light of a lamp hung from the roof at the distance of some hundred yards.
“I am here also,” Casca said, touching Anna’s arm. “I have escaped from the Coliseum, where I was forced to go with Antonius.”