nd disguises for them both. But Papias cut off his speech
at the very beginning, and vehemently demanded the restoration of his
quiver and bow, of which Pollux could not work out the value in two
years. The young man whose heart and thoughts were at Lochias and who,
at any cost, did not want to be detained longer than was necessary,
begged his master, with all possible politeness, to let him go now, and
to settle the matter with him to-morrow after he had discussed it with
the Roman, from whom he might certainly demand any compensation he
chose. But when Papias interrupted him again and again, and obstinately
insisted on the immediate restoration of his property, the artist whose
blood was easily heated, grew angry and replied to the attacks and
questions of the older man with vehement response.

One angry word led to another, and at last Papias hinted of persons who
took possession of other person's silver goods, and when Pollux retorted
that he knew of some who could put forward the works of others as their
own, the master struck his fist upon the table, and going towards the
door he cried out, as soon as he was at a safe distance from the furious
lad's powerful fists:

"Thief! I will show you how fellows like you are dealt with in
Alexandria."

Pollux turned white with rage, and rushed upon Papias, who fled, and
before Pollux could reach him he had taken refuge behind the two guards
sent by the magistrate, and who were waiting in the antechamber.

"Seize the thief!" he cried. "Hold the villain who stole my silver
quiver and now raises his hand against his master. Bind him, fetter him,
carry him off to prison."

Pollux did not know what had come upon him; he stood like a bear that
has been surrounded by hunters; doubtful but at bay. Should he fling
himself upon his pursuers and fell them to the earth? should he
passively await impending fate?

He knew every stone in his master's house; the anteroom in which he
stood, and indeed the whole building was on the ground floor. In the
minute while the guards were approaching and his master was giving the
order to the lictor, his eye fell on a window which looked out upon
the street, and possessed only by the single thought of defending his
liberty and returning quickly to Arsinoe he leaped out of the opening
which promised safety and into the street below.

"Thief--stop thief!" he heard as he flew on with long strides; and like
the pelting of rain driven by all the f