but the cool night-air roused her from her half stupor, and she began to know the worst. She and Marcus were on the same horse, between the officer and Hegio. As she began to realize the worst horrors of her situation, those horrors grew more endurable, and she felt greater strength and calm. She pressed Marcus more closely to her heart, and bending over him wept profusely. Her tears relieved her. But those tears which fell upon the face of Marcus awakened sympathy in his loving, childish nature. How bold and brave he really was he had already shown. He had already confronted a death by fire, and faced it down. He was the same now, and his high spirit did not falter. For he was one of those who are at the same time keenly susceptible to the sufferings of others, but courageous and indomitable in their own hearts. Sensitive and brave, with the delicacy of a girl, but the nerves and the heart of a lion,such was Marcus, in whom his mother's tenderness, and the strong nature of his father were blended. Such natures are the noblest; the meek in peace, the bold in war. "Mother," said he, " don't weep, · don't weep."

"It is for you, dearest boy."

- it breaks my heart;

"For me! Do you weep for me? And why? I am not afraid. I can show that I am my father's son. He will learn at last how boldly I can die."

"I wish I

"I will comfort you," said he, after a pause. were older; I am only ten years old, but I am not a coward. I am a Roman boy, and my father's boy, and I am not afraid. I can die, and die bravely."

Many such words did Marcus utter. He in his lofty courage sought to soothe his mother. He had a strange, sweet air of superiority, as though he recognized in himself a stronger and a superior nature, and his mother also drew encouragement from that unfaltering courage, that splendid "pluck" of the little boy. Religion came also with its comforts. She thought of Him who had died for her; she

reproached herself for her weakness. New strength came to her heart, and at last the prospect of the stake grew less terrible, being eclipsed by the splendor of that heaven that lay beyond.

At length they entered the city. The burnt parts were not yet rebuilt. The party went on through a wide waste of ruined houses. In some places there were rough huts erected where people were living; in others, the walls of new buildings were rising. It was quite dark, and few people were in the streets. After some time they came to the Suburra, which had all been rebuilt, and showed something like its former busy and varied scene. Down this they went for a short distance, and at length turned off through a side street.

At length they stopped before a large edifice which still bore traces of fire in its ruined walls. It was the prison.

"This is not the place," said Hegio to the officer. "Their quarters are in the house of Padentatus in the Campus Martius. I will lead on to show the way."

The officer said nothing. Hegio then rode forward, and, putting himself at the head of the party, went at the usual pace through many streets.

street.

t

At last they came to a wide, open space. It was the Campus Martius. They rode along the street that bordered it, and finally came to a house that stood on the side of this It was alone by itself. The nouses near it had not yet been rebuilt. This was an old difice of massive construction which had suffered but little from the fire, and had been repaired. Here the party ped. They all dis- ́ mounted. No inhabited house was near; the building stood by itself. The officer, who seemed sullen and impatient, hurried his men to the completion of their task. Two soldiers remained behind with Hegio, and the officer rode on with the rest.

Then the door was unfastened, lights were procured, and Hegio and the soldiers took their prisoners inside.

After a time Hegio came forth, mounted his horse, and

rode away.

He knew not that he had been watched all this time by one who had seen everything.

He knew not that the avenger was on his track.

XXVII.

THE AVENGER.

10 Hegio rode off, not knowing that one was on his track who would demand for all this a terrible reckoning.

He rode off slowly and leisurely. His horse and he were both fatigued from the long ride and the excitement.

He wished also to ride slowly, so as to luxuriate in the thought of his perfect revenge. Much had been done, more remained, the punishment due to Christians,— the Vatican gardens. The thought was sweet to a soul like his.

He thought of other things. him, and treated him with insult.

That officer had scorned

He had also hesitated in

his duty. This should be punished. Labeo should also fall, - and Cineas, and all his enemies.

He let the bridle fall carelessly as he rode along, — lost in thoughts that were so pleasing to him, and in this frame of mind he went at the same pace through the city.

At last he approached the Esquiline hill. Here was the favorite residence of Tigellinus, and to this Hegio was bound. The broad, open space, which had been made to arrest the flames still remained, covered with the débris of the ruined' houses. All was dark there.

Hegio rode along.

Suddenly a dark form rushed past him through the gloom, and before he could put spurs to his horse, before he could even think, a mighty grasp had clutched him by the throat

and dragged him down from his horse. The animal bounded forward in terror, and rushed off like the wind.

Bruised by his fall, half-suffocated by the grasp of his unknown assailant, Hegio lay on the ground; but bruises and suffocation were forgotten in the deadly fear that rushed through his soul; for he had the most craven spirit that ever animated a human form. He was one of those who can die from fright, and now all his strength ebbed away in a paralysis of fear.

He tried to gasp out words of entreaty, but in vain.

One hand was on his throat, another fumbled at his waist, and loosened the rich girdle that encircled it. For a moment the grasp on his throat was relaxed.

66

"I'll give Beware

Spare me,” cried Hegio, as he found breath. you gold if you want it. I am an imperial officer. harm me. You will suffer for it. I will pay anyname your price."

how you thing,

The only answer was a tight bandage forced over his mouth and into it, like a gag, from his girdle, which his assailant had twisted into shape, and now firmly bound around him, so that it effectually prevented him from making any sound.

Then, turning him over on his face, the unknown assailant sat on his shoulders, and seizing his arms forced them behind him, and taking his own girdle pinioned them in that place tightly. Hegio felt like a child in the grasp of his enemy.

Then the assailant rose, and, holding Hegio firmly, bade him rise also. Without a word he pushed him along before him. Hegio saw with a feeling of relief that they went toward the Esquiline; but fear came over him, and dread suspicion, as he saw that he was forced toward the ruins of Labeo's house.

Those ruins yet remained. The walls had fallen in most parts; but on one side about half the height still stood erect. To this shadowy form where the dark wall arose Hegio felt