“And thy counsel?”
“Return and surrender, and win the crown and palm. But it is waste of breath to say such words to thee. I know thee. Wast thou subjected to torture?”
“No, brother.”
“No; not the rack, nor the torches, nor the hooks, nor the thumbscrews. Oh, none of these!”
“No, brother. It is true, I was scarce tried at [pg 227]all. Indeed, it was good luck—God forgive me!—it was through His mercy that I was saved from denying the faith. I was not even asked to sacrifice.”
“Well; go thy ways. I cannot advise thee.”
“Stay,” said Baudillas. “I saw in the outer prison some of the faithful, but was in too great fear to recognize any. Who have been taken?”
“The last secured has been the widow Quincta. The pontiff and the flamen Augustalis and the priestess of Nemausus swear that she shall be put on the rack and tortured till she reveals where her daughter is concealed, and that amiable drone, the acting magistrate, has given consent. Dost thou know where the damsel Perpetua is concealed?”
“Indeed, Marcianus, I know not. But tell me: hast thou not been inquired for? I have been told how that some have accused thee.”
“Me! Who said that?”