"But who, in the words of the great apostle, my master, in truth is
not far from any one of us," answered Cyril. "Now hearken, and may your
heart be opened."

Then he began his labour of conversion, reasoning till the sun sank and
it was time for the prison gates to close.

"Come to me again," said Marcus as they parted, "I would hear more."

"Of Miriam or of my message?" asked Cyril with a smile.

"Of both," answered Marcus.

Four days went by before Cyril returned. They were heavy days for
Marcus, since on the morrow of the bishop's visit he had learned that
as Saturius had foretold, Vespasian refused to consider his case, saying
that it must abide the decision of Titus when he came back to Rome.
Meanwhile, he commanded that the accused officer should remain in
prison, but that no judgment should issue against him. Here, then,
Marcus was doomed to lie, fretting out his heart like a lion in a cage.

From Cyril Marcus learned that Miriam was well and sent him her
greetings, since she dared neither visit him nor write. The bishop told
him also that he had found a certain Grecian mariner, Hector by name,
a Roman citizen, who was a Christian and faithful. This man desired
to sail for the coasts of Syria and was competent to steer a vessel
thither. Also he thought that he could collect a crew of Christians and
Jews who might be trusted. Lastly, he knew of several small galleys that
were for sale, one of which, named the _Luna_, was a very good ship and
almost new. Cyril told him, moreover, that he had seen Gallus and his
wife Julia, and that these good people, having no more ties in Rome,
partly because they desired to leave the city, and partly for love of
Miriam, though more the second reason than the first, were willing to
sell their house and goods and to sail with her to Syria.

Marcus asked how much money would be needed, and when Cyril named the
sum, sent for Stephanus and commanded him to raise it and to pay it
over to the craftsman Septimus, taking his receipt in discharge. This
Septimus promised to do readily enough by a certain day, believing that
the gold was needed for his master's ransom. Then having settled all as
well as might be, Cyril took up his tale and preached to Marcus of the
Saviour of the world with great earnestness and power.

Thus the days went on, and twice or thrice in every week Cyril visited
Marcus, giving him tidings and instructing him in the Faith. Now the
ship _Luna_ was bought an