'I understand,' said another, 'that it is agreed upon, that whatever the people attempt after their own manner, as in what we are now about, they are not to be interfered with. We are to have free pasturage, and feed where, and as we list.' 'Who could suppose,' said the first, 'it should be different? It is well known that formerly, though there has been no edict to the purpose, the people have not only been permitted, they have been expected, to do their part of the business without being asked or urged. I dare say if we can do up this family of--who is it?' 'Macer, the Christian Macer,' interrupted the other;--'we shall receive the thanks of Aurelian, though they be not spoken, as heartily as Varus. That was a tough old fellow though. They say he has served many years under the Emperor, and when he left the army was in a fair way to rise to the highest rank. Curses upon those who made a Christian of him! It is they, not Varus, who have put him on the rack. But see! are not these the ruins we seek? I hope so, for I have run far enough.' 'Yes,' replied his companion; 'these are the old baths! Now for it!' The crowd thereupon abandoning the streets, poured itself like an advancing flood among the ruins, filling all the spaces and mounting up upon all the still standing fragments of walls and columns. It was not at all evident where the house of the Christian was. It all seemed a confusion of ruins and of dead wall. 'Who can show us,' cried out one who took upon himself the office of leader, 'where the dwelling of Macer is?' 'I can,' responded the slender voice of a little boy; 'for I have often been there before they became Christians.' 'Show us then, my young urchin; come up hither. Now, lead the way, and we will follow.' 'You need go no further,' replied the boy; 'that is it?' 'That? It is but a stone wall!' 'Still it is the house,' replied the child; 'but the door is of stone as well as the walls.' At that the crowd began to beat upon the walls, and shout to those who were within to come forth. They had almost wearied themselves out, and were inclined to believe that the boy had given them false information, when, upon a sort of level roof above the projecting mass which served as the dwelling, a female form suddenly appeared, and, advancing to the edge--not far above, yet beyond, the reach of the mob below--she beckoned to them with her hand, as if she would speak to them.