“My sons and daughters in Christ,” said the bishop with composure, “remember that greater is He that is with us than those that be against us. When the servant of Elisha feared, then the Lord opened his eyes that he might behold the angels with chariots and horses of fire prepared to defend His servant. Avoid danger, but if it cannot be avoided stand firm. Remember His words, ‘He that con[pg 124]fesseth me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven.’ ”
As soon as all had departed, but not till then, did Castor leave. Marcianus turned with a sneer to his fellow-deacon and said, “Fly! you have full license from the bishop; and he sets the example himself.”
“I must tarry in my own house,” answered Baudillas. “I have the ladies Quincta and Perpetua under my protection. They cannot return to their home until they be fetched.”
“So! they lean on a broken reed such as thee!”
“Alack! they have none other to trust to.”
“The mob is descending our street,” cried the slave, Pedo, limping in.
“What are we to do?” asked Quincta trembling. “If they discover me and my daughter here we are undone. They will tear her from my arms.”
The deacon Baudillas clasped his hands to his head. Then his slave said: “Master, Tarsius is at the door with litters and bearers. He saith he hath been sent for the lady Perpetua.”
“And for me?” asked Quincta eagerly.
“And for thee also, lady. It is said that guards are observing thy house and that, therefore, thy slaves cannot venture hither. Therefore, so says [pg 125]Tarsius, his master, the wool-merchant, Julius Largus, hath sent his litters and porters.”