signaled the slave of the threshold to Athribis.

The slave of the threshold, like Athribis, hated Christians. There
was a secret agreement between the two men that if Athribis ever
should gain any reward for betraying Heraklas to the authorities,
the reward should be evenly divided. Half should belong to the slave
of the threshold, in consideration of his having been apparently
asleep at times when Athribis went out without permission.

The hours went by and Heraklas did not come, to be spied upon.

That morning, Heraklas had gone out to seek some Christians whom he
knew. Two weeks ago he had sought them for the first time to tell
them that he wished to join their number. Greatly had he and they
rejoiced together.

"Witness a good confession, as did thy brother Timokles," an old man
admonished Heraklas.

Almost daily, since then, Heraklas had sought some Christian who
taught him more perfectly the way of the Lord.

Today, as Heraklas sat in a house, secretly studying another portion
of the Book than was written on his own papyrus, a Christian woman
came hastily to him, and told him the tidings concerning his
brother.

"He hath assuredly come!" affirmed the woman. "Vitruvius saw him
carried to the ship with other Christians!"