“No. My companions will come here expecting to find me if they escape. I must remain, whatever befalls. If the soldiers come, I will see them before they arrive, and give them the slip. If they give chase they will find it troublesome to catch me!”
When Soa returned to the city he went straight to the apartments of the prime minister, whom he found impatiently awaiting him.
“You have been long,” said the latter.
“The distance is great,” replied the nephew.
“Well?” exclaimed the uncle, inquiringly.
“You ordered me to act as a Christian,” returned the young man, with a slight smile, “and you know it takes time to do that.”
“True—true. And you have brought me the list?”
“No, uncle.”
“What mean you, boy?”
“I mean that I have obeyed your first command; I have been to the Christian meeting as a Christian.”