ence, it was due to
him now to make him their leader.

The number of the men who rushed out of the tower was increasing, and
when Hermas appeared with his father on his back and followed by Miriam,
and when Paulus exhorted his companions to be edified by this pathetic
picture of filial love, curiosity tempted even the last loiterers in the
tower out into the open space.

The Alexandrian sprang over the wall, went up to Stephanus, lifted him
from the shoulders of the panting youth and, taking him on his own,
carried him towards the tower; but the old warrior refused to enter
the place of refuge, and begged his friend to lay him down by the wall.
Paulus obeyed his wish and then went with Hermas to the top of the tower
to spy the distance from thence.

As soon as he had quitted him, Stephanus turned to the anchorites who
stood near him, saying, "These stones are loose, and though my strength
is indeed small still it is great enough to send one of them over with
a push. If it comes to a battle my old soldier's eyes, dim as they are
now, may with the help of yours see many things that may be useful to
you young ones. Above all things, if the game is to be a hot one for the
robbers, one must command here whom the others will obey."

"It shall be you, father," interrupted Salathiel the Syrian. "You have
served in Caesar's army, and you proved your courage and knowledge of
war in the last raid. You shall command us."

Stephanus sadly shook his head and replied, "My voice is become too
weak and low since this wound in my breast and my long illness. Not
even those who stand nearest to me would understand me in the noise
of battle. Let Paulus be your captain, for he is strong, cautious and
brave."

Many of the anchorites had long looked upon the Alexandrian as their
best stay; for many years he had enjoyed the respect of all and on a
thousand occasions had given proof of his strength and presence of mind,
but at this proposal they looked at each other in surprise, doubt and
disapproval.

Stephanus saw what was passing in their minds.

"It is true he has erred gravely," he said. "And before God he is the
least of the least among us; but in animal strength and indomitable
courage he is superior to you all. Which of you would be willing to take
his place, if you reject his guidance."

"Orion the Saite," cried one of the anchorites, "is tall and strong. If
he would--"

But Orion eagerly excused himself from assuming the d