"Do you swear that you will not betray them?"
"I do, by the life of Caesar and the immortal gods," said Marcellus, solemnly.
"Come along, then," said the boy. "We do not need torches. Follow me carefully."
And the lad entered the narrow opening.
THE CATACOMBS
"No light, but rather darkness visible
Served only to discover sights of woe,
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades."
They went on in utter darkness, until at length the passage widened and they came to steps which led below. Marcellus held the boy's dress and followed him.
It was certainly a situation that might provoke alarm. He was voluntarily placing himself in the power of men whom his class had driven from the upper air into these drear abodes. To them he could only be known as a persecutor. Yet such was the impression which he had formed of their gentleness and meekness that he had no fear of harm. It was in the power of this boy to lead him to death in the thick darkness of these impenetrable labyrinths, but even of this he did not think. It was a desire to know more of these Christians, to get at their secret, that led him on, and as he had sworn, so had he resolved that this visit should not be made use of to their betrayal or injury.
