turnin, one
man called Speratus spoke frankly and nobly for his brethren. When
the proconsul Saturninus invited Speratus to swear by the genius of
the emperor, the proconsul promising the Christians mercy if they
would do this and return to the worship of the gods, Speratus
answered, 'I know of no genius of the ruler of this earth, but I
serve my God who is in heaven, whom no man hath seen nor can see. I
render what is due from me, for I acknowledge the emperor as my
sovereign; but I can worship none but my Lord, the King of all kings
and Ruler of all nations.' So were the Christians taken to the place
of execution, where they knelt and prayed, and were then beheaded."

Timokles' eyes fell. His voice trembled.

"O Lord Christ," he added, reverently, "I also would be faithful
unto thee!"

The merchant's piercing look regarded Timokles for a few minutes.

"There were women among those twelve Christians who were brought
from Scillita to Carthage to die," continued Timokles, "three women,
called Donata, Secunda, and Vestina. When they were brought before
the proconsul, he said to them, 'Honor our prince, and offer
sacrifice to the gods.' Donata answered, 'We give to Caesar the
honor that is due Caesar: but we adore and offer sacrifice to God
alone.' Vestina, said, 'I also am a Christian.' Secunda said, 'I
also believe in my God, and will continue faithful to him. As for
thy gods, we will neither serve nor adore them.'

"O my master," continued Timokles, with trembling voice, "thinkest
thou not that the God who so strengthened three women that they did
not shrink from death for his sake, could strengthen me to meet
death, also?"

CHAPTER III.

Pentaur looked fixedly at the lad, who stood with no air of bravado
about him, but with an expression of humble trust that the merchant
could not fathom.

"Why shouldest thou risk death?" questioned the merchant. "Death
will defeat a Christian."

"Nay, O master!" exclaimed Timokles eagerly. "Death may be glorious
victory!"

Pentaur smiled.

"Oh!" broke forth Timokles earnestly, "I know a death that was a
glorious victory! Carthage knew of it! Didst thou not hear what was
done last year at Carthage? Didst thou not know of the Christian
lady, Vivia Perpetua, and the Christian slave, Felicitas?"

A shudder ran through Pentaur, as Timokles continued:

"Thinkest thou that what they suffered was nothing? Vivia Perpetua
was the best loved of a heathen father's child