Now the wild followers of Romulus could surely not be united by any such law as this. They fought as if Mars himself had taught them, the country folk said; but the worship of this god of manhood meant a great many things besides fighting. No settlement could be strong where the men were free to fight one another, knew nothing of self-control, made no homes. Just how much Romulus understood of this, Colonus was not sure. As it proved, he understood a [pg 121]great deal more than any one thought he did.
Suddenly, as they always came and went, the twins appeared one day at the gate of the palisade and were made very welcome. It happened to be a feast day, the feast of Lupercal, which came in midwinter, and the fact was that Romulus had found this out and had come that day on purpose. He was always interested in sacrifices, omens, and old customs. Remus had brought his pipes, and while he played for the dancers some wild music that none of them had ever heard, Romulus came over to the older men. He was rather quiet for a long time, watching all that went on, and his eyes turned often to the fire on the altar.
“My uncle,” he said at last to Marcus Colonus, when they were seated a little apart from the others, “I came here to tell you the desire of my heart, and now that I am here, I feel afraid. There is much in the world that I have never seen and do not know. With you, I feel like a little boy who has everything yet to learn.”
This was a surprise to Colonus, and it was a pleasant one. This young man, who had fought his way to power and leadership at an age when most boys are still depending on their fathers for advice in everything, had somehow learned to be gentle and reverent, and not too sure of himself. This was a thing that Colonus could not have [pg 122]expected. He did not see exactly where Romulus had learned it, but it gave him a feeling of great kindness toward his young kinsman.
“There is no need for you to be afraid,” he said cordially. “We are all your friends here. We owe you much for your aid and counsel. You are of our blood. This is your home whenever you come among us.”
The young leader stole a quick look from his keen, dark eyes at the older man. He had opened the conversation with that speech, not because he did not mean it, for he did; he felt very rude and ignorant among these kinsfolk of his, with their kindly, pleasant ways, and practical wisdom, and unconscious dignity. He was perfectly honest in saying that. But he said it just then because he wished to find out how Colonus felt toward him, and how far he could count on his approval and support in a plan he had. It would be better not to ask for help at all than to ask for it and be refused. The young chief of outlaws was proud. He was also wise, with the sagacity of a wild thing that has had to fight for life against all the world from birth. He never had really trusted anybody. The weak who were afraid to oppose him might do it if they dared. The strong must not be allowed to see his weakness or they would take the advantage. The old [pg 123]shepherd was kind, but he did not always see danger. Strength and kindness did not go together in Romulus’ experience. Even when he and his men were protecting the mountain villages, doing for them what they could not do for themselves, the people never let them forget that they were outlawed men. Because they did not live inside the walls and do just as the farmers did, they could not be called civilized. But these men here were his kinsmen, and they seemed different. Some instinct told him that with Colonus it would be better not to pretend to be wise and strong, but to ask advice.
“That is very good of you,” he said gratefully. “But I am not, after all, really one of you. I was not brought up as your sons have been. I cannot be sure that they would trust me as my own men do. If I were sure—”
And then he stopped.
“Do you mean,” asked Colonus, “that you wish the help of our young men in some expedition?”
Romulus decided to risk it. “If it is wise in your eyes,” he said.