Stephanus sadly shook his head and replied, "My voice is become too weak
and low since this wound in my breast and my long illness. Not even
those who stand nearest to me would understand me in the noise of battle.
Let Paulus be your captain, for he is strong, cautious and brave."

Many of the anchorites had long looked upon the Alexandrian as their best
stay; for many years he had enjoyed the respect of all and on a thousand
occasions had given proof of his strength and presence of mind, but at
this proposal they looked at each other in surprise, doubt and
disapproval.

Stephanus saw what was passing in their minds.

"It is true he has erred gravely," he said. "And before God he is the
least of the least among us; but in animal strength and indomitable
courage he is superior to you all. Which of you would be willing to take
his place, if you reject his guidance."

"Orion the Saite," cried one of the anchorites, "is tall and strong. If
he would--"

But Orion eagerly excused himself from assuming the dangerous office, and
when Andreas and Joseph also refused with no less decision the leadership
that was offered them, Stephanus said:

"You see there is no choice left us but to be, the Alexandrian to command
us here so long as the robbers threaten us, and no longer. There he
comes--shall I ask him?"

A murmur of consent, though by no means of satisfaction, answered the old