"The Numidian Eros a Christian! such an idea is folly!" exclaimed Gaius, starting up with more animation in his tone and manner than he had hitherto shown. "If he is a Christian, he thus only adds to his crime. The money he must have stolen--probably from me; I refuse, however, to receive it. Let him return to the bondage from which he has escaped, or if I discover him he will rue the consequences. And for yourself, girl, as you have ventured in here, unless you inform me where he is hidden, and will promise to assist in his recovery, I will detain you and punish you as you deserve with the scourge." "I came to do the bidding of my master; and should any harm befall me, there is one to whom he will appeal for justice--the emperor," answered Rufina, without betraying the slightest fear. "You dare not detain me. Again I offer the value of your once slave, and, though you refuse, I have fulfilled my duty, and must be gone." Gaius was almost speechless at what he considered the unexampled audacity of the slave girl; and as he still refused to take the bag, Rufina, while he was considering what to do, turned, and left the hall. Before her figure had disappeared among the marble columns he started up, and summoning one of his attendants, often employed in secret matters, he directed him to follow Rufina, but to keep himself concealed, to obtain what assistance he might require and not to return without bringing back Eros and Jovinian as his captives. The slave, instantly comprehending what was required of him, started off to execute his master's orders. The pontiff sank down again upon his couch. "Though I have lost the solidi, I shall have the satisfaction of wreaking my vengeance on the head of the Numidian,--and, what is of more consequence, shall recover my graceless nephew," he said to himself, stretching out his arms and giving a yawn. "Ungrateful as he has been, I will still afford him another chance." On the appearance of Coecus, Gaius told him of the hopes he entertained of recovering Jovinian and his runaway slave. "The vile wretch of whom you speak must receive the full penalty of his crime, or we shall have all the slaves in Rome turning Christians and claiming their freedom," observed Coecus. "As to your nephew, the bed of the Tiber will be the safest place to which you can consign him. The young atheist, with the early training he has received, will never become a trustworthy supporter of the ancient gods." "I will try him, notwithstanding," answered Gaius; "but I have not caught him yet." Several more days passed by; but neither Jovinian nor Eros had been captured, and Gaius began to fear that he had lost his money and his revenge. The pontiffs had been seated in conclave, and were on the point of separating, when a message was brought to Gaius. A gleam of satisfaction passed over his countenance.