“Its power worketh very slowly, so that no consequence can ever be discovered.”
“Not only a poet and an orator, my master, but a veritable wonder-worker!”
“Spare thy applause for this time, Metopus! I say to thee that a slow decline, which cometh only with months and years, seemeth natural.”
“I understand.”
“Give the gold and the potion to Colurus, and swear, by the visage of Apollo, that no harm will ever be traceable! Nay, tell any story that seemeth expedient, for thou art cunning!”
The plot was carried out in every detail.
Time rolled on. The disciples of the New Faith increased in number, and ere long included the father and mother of Rebecca. Their meetings were frequent, and though held quietly, were without special secrecy. They usually assembled at the rooms of Serenus, but sometimes at the residence of Benoni.