ng whereby they
might seize him and certain others. But Demonicus, _sycophantes_,
constable, and gladiator all in one, was irritated, for the prize had
not yet arrived; and as the time sped on, his tiger-nature exhibited
itself in low growls at his calmer companion.

"Another day," snarled he, "and the case will have turned into other
hands."

"I do not despair," replied Timon, "and yet, to be frank, I almost
repent--it seems a shame to lay hands on such a woman."

"Art thou, my brave Timon, also becoming a meek and beautiful
Christian?" said Demonicus with a sneer.

Annoyed at the tone, Timon answered firmly--"The lady's life is a
blessing to Patara."

"Soft one, weak one, coward!" hissed Demonicus.

"The lady is a goddess!" cried Timon, galled into defiance, "and the
coward is he that would lay foul hands upon her."

"Draw! defend thyself!" roared Demonicus, and the two men faced each
other with drawn swords and glaring eyes.

At this juncture, Pathema and Miriam appeared upon the scene, and
without hesitation the former gently and earnestly entreated them not
to slay one another. As if by mutual consent, the enraged men lowered
their sword-points and turned them into the sheaths. Demonicus was
agreeably surprised and he cooled down quickly--before him after all
was the trophy wanted. Timon did not want it--the lady's voice and
courage strengthened his heart's bent in the right course, and he
quietly walked away. Demonicus stepped aside; even his rough heart
could be moved to a certain degree of respect, while Pathema, pale and
sad, walked noiselessly into the church and sat down with Miriam in the
nearest empty seat.

The shepherd had finished with his earnest simple story of redemption,
illustrating it by reference to what he knew so well--the spotless,
passive lamb. He was now telling the attentive listeners that the lamb
would one clay become a lion, that all human governments would be
broken in pieces, and that Jesus Christ would rule the earth in
righteousness and peace. "It may be," added he with emphasis, "that
that hope-inspiring day is at hand!"

Revolutionary doctrine like this the debased Demonicus rejoiced to
hear. Like the Jewish pretence before Pilate, it was enough, and the
love of lucre spurred him on. He waited not a moment more, but hurried
boldly into the church. Accusing Pathema of taking part in sedition,
he seized her by the arm and ordered her to rise up and follow him.