't obey!"

"I'll do anything else you tell me, captain, but that," cried Marcus,
quickly.

"Well, boy," said the captain. "But stop. What shall you do now?"

"Find my way to the army alone," said Marcus, quickly.

"You'd never do that, boy. The country ahead is in a state of war, and
swarms with ruffians hanging about the heels of the army like wolves
following a drove of sheep--worse, these, than the enemy. Boy, before
many days had passed you'd be stripped of all your bravery, robbed for
the sake of your weapons, and left dead or dying somewhere in the
forest."

"I can fight, sir," said Marcus, proudly, "and my sword and spear are
sharp."

"Yes, boy, and I should be sorry for the one or two who tried to stop
your way. But wolves hunt in packs, and can pull the bravest down. Are
you heeding what I say?"

Marcus nodded. He could not speak, but stood gazing at Serge, who had
taken off his helmet and with a face full of perplexity was vigorously
scratching at his grizzled head.

"Well, boy," continued the captain, "I have thought it over and I must
do my duty, which is to send you back."

"Oh!" cried Marcus, and throwing his spear sharply into his left hand he
held out his right to Serge.

"But if I do that duty," continued the captain, "it will be to expose
you to greater risks amongst the marauders gathering everywhere now than
if I take you with me."

"And you will let me come?" cried Marcus.

"I am obliged to, boy," said the captain, smiling, "for I can't help
feeling that Cracis, if we meet, would blame me more for doing my duty
than for letting you come. Here, old man, you shall not tramp after our
horse to come in weary and distressed at every halt. I'll put the boy,
as he is Cracis' son, in one of the chariots, one of the light ones
drawn by Thracian horses. There are several with their drivers yonder
that I have not yet manned. You as his spearman may accompany him, of
course. There, boy, no thanks," continued the captain, sternly. "I
have no time for more. Off with you to your place. One of my officers
will see that all is right. What is that man? Away with you!" he
shouted to the old crippled soldier, who had heard all and now hobbled
forward to speak. But a couple of soldiers placed their spear shafts
before him and drove him back.

But Marcus had seen, and sprang after him, dived under the spears and
pressed a few coins into his hand before he was hurried away, babbling
his