at his
choosing such a route, since by so doing he was compelled to pass
through the very midst of the armies of France and Spain. They
entreated him therefore to take a safer road, which they would point
out to him, and to withdraw from the highway.

Not following their counsel, however, he kept straight on until he
came to a town fortified by strong walls. Seized as a spy, the guards
cast him into a small house not far from the gate, and, as is
customary in such suspicious times, closely questioned him. On all
points, however, he professed the greatest ignorance. Finally they
searched his clothes and shoes to see if he bore any messages, and
finding nothing, they led him into the presence of the captain. They
deprived him of his cloak, leaving him only his waistcoat and
knee-breeches.

As he was compelled to go about in this condition, he recalled to mind
the thought of Christ led about as a captive. Although he was forced
to walk through the three principal streets of the town, he did so,
not with sadness, but feeling great joy and consolation.

In addressing others he was in the habit of saying "_you_," employing
no other word either of reverence or dignity, believing that such was
the simplicity as well of the Apostles as of Christ Himself.

While being conducted through the different streets, it occurred to
him that it would be well to depart somewhat from his ordinary custom,
and to show greater respect to the commander of the place. Such a
thought was by no means the outcome of the fear of any punishment
which they might inflict. He felt, however, that this was a
temptation; he said, "In that case I'll neither address him as a
person of dignity, nor bend the knee as a mark of respect, nor even
remove my hat in his presence."

Having reached the residence of the commander, he was made to wait
some time in the courtyard before being summoned into his presence.
Then, without manifesting the slightest degree of civility, he so
paused after each word he spoke as to be taken for a fool by the
commander, who said to his captors, "This man is an idiot; restore
what belongs to him and send him away."

A certain Spaniard met Ignatius coming from the house of the
commander, led him home, just as he was, and gave him food and
whatever was necessary for that night.

The next morning he resumed his journey until toward evening, when,
espied by the soldiers of a fort, he was seized and brought to the
commander of th