The man did as he was required, though the Christians murmured to him—
‘Will you be an apostate? Will you deny the cross of Christ?’
‘Now then,’ said Tigellinus, ‘tell us the names of their ringleaders.’
Phygellus hesitated. He had been ready to save himself; but he had not contemplated the destruction of his fellows.
‘On to the rack with him!’ said Tigellinus.
The man was laid shrieking on the instrument of torture, but the moment the screw was turned, he cried,
‘I will confess; I will confess.’
‘Do the Christians kill infants, and eat their flesh?’
‘No.’
‘Do you persist in that?’