an old man, perhaps not so much weighted by years as weakened by care
and disease. Quartus was sixteen years of age. Chilo needed dexterous,
and, above all, stalwart men. As to the thousand sestertia, he
considered that--thanks to the plan which he had invented--he would be
able in every case to spare a large part of it.

They insisted for some time, but when he refused decisively they
yielded.

"I know the baker Demas," said Quartus, "in whose mills slaves and hired
men are employed. One of those hired men is so strong that he would
take the place, not of two, but of four. I myself have seen him lift
stones from the ground which four men could not stir."

"If that is a God-fearing man, who can sacrifice himself for the
brotherhood, make me acquainted with him," said Chilo.

"He is a Christian, lord," answered Quartus; "nearly all who work for
Demas are Christians. He has night as well as day laborers; this man is
of the night laborers. Were we to go now to the mill, we should find
them at supper, and thou mightest speak to him freely. Demas lives near
the Emporium."

Chilo consented most willingly. The Emporium was at the foot of the
Aventine, hence not very far from the Circus Maximus. It was possible,
without going around the hill, to pass along the river through the
Porticus Æmilia, which would shorten the road considerably.

"I am old," said Chilo, when they went under the Colonnade; "at times I
suffer effacement of memory. Yes, though our Christ was betrayed by one