In fear and trembling the people waited. They stood in little knots, talking under their breath of all the evil this man had done; or shutting themselves into their houses, they scarcely dared to look out at the windows. And soon the great company came sweeping in, swords clattering and armour glittering in the sunshine, rough soldiers laughing carelessly as they rode past the frightened faces. And at their head a cruel, evil-looking man who glared from side to side, as if he were a wild beast seeking his prey. Doubtless it pleased him to see how every one trembled before him, and he smiled scornfully to think how easy a task it would be to teach these Christians to deny their God and drag their faith in the dust. And soon the reason of his coming was known to all, for he ordered it to be proclaimed in the market-place, that every Christian who refused to sacrifice to the heathen gods should be tortured and put to death. And to make his meaning quite plain, the soldiers spread out all the terrible instruments of torture, so that men might know exactly what lay before them if they refused to deny Christ. But in the night the terrified Christians stole silently out of the town, and climbing the high hill that overlooked the city, they hid themselves in the great caves among the rocks. Scarcely any one was left behind: even the good bishop was afraid to stay and face the danger, and it seemed as if Christ would have no one to fight on His side against the evil company. But when morning came, and the furious Dacian discovered that every one had fled, he sent his soldiers to search and bring any who might remain hidden in the city, that he might wreak his vengeance on them. And among the few that were left they brought to him the little maid Faith. She was only a little child, but she did not know what fear meant. 'You cannot hurt me,' she said, looking at the cruel, angry faces around her, 'because I am not yours, but God's.' And then she signed herself with the sign of the cross, and with bent head prayed: 'Lord Jesus, teach my lips to answer their questions aright, so that I may do Thee no dishonour.' Then Dacian looked in anger at the child standing there with clasped hands and steadfast eyes, and asked her roughly: 'What is thy name?' 'My name is Faith,' the little maid replied with gentle courtesy. 'And what God dost thou serve?' asked the cruel governor. 'I am a Christian, and I serve the Lord Christ,' replied the child. 'Deny Him, and sacrifice to our gods,' thundered the governor, 'else shalt thou endure every kind of torture, until there is no life left in thy young body.' But Faith stood with head erect and hands clasped tight together. Not even the ugly instruments of torture could frighten her. 'I serve the Lord Christ,' she said, 'and you cannot hurt me, because I am His.'