“Pray for me that my faith fail not,” said Baudillas, and passed on. By action he deadened his fears. Now came in Pedo, the old servant of the house, who had been sent forth to reconnoiter. His report was not reassuring. The mob was sweeping through the streets, and insisting on every household producing an image at its doors and placing a light before it. There were fuglemen who directed the crowd, which had been divided into bands to perambulate every division of the town and make inquisition of every house. The mob had begun by breaking into such dwellings as were not protected by an image, and wrecking them. But after one or two of such acts of violence, the magistrates had interfered, and although they suffered the people to assemble before the houses and to clamor for the production of an image and a light, yet they sent _vigiles_ (_i.e._, the watch) to guard such dwellings as remained undecorated. When the master of the house refused obedience to the mandate of the mob, then an officer ordered him to open the door, and he summoned him to appear next day in court and there do sacrifice. By this means the mob was satisfied and passed on without violence. But as the crowd marched down the streets it arrested every man and woman that was encountered, and insisted on their swearing by the gods and blaspheming Christ. Castor ordered the congregation to depart by twos and by threes, to take side alleys, and to avoid the main thoroughfares. This was possible, as the _posticum_, a back door, communicated with a mean street that had the city wall for one side. “My sons and daughters in Christ,” said the bishop with composure, “remember that greater is He that is with us than those that be against us. When the servant of Elisha feared, then the Lord opened his eyes that he might behold the angels with chariots and horses of fire prepared to defend His servant. Avoid danger, but if it cannot be avoided stand firm. Remember His words, ‘He that confesseth me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven.’” As soon as all had departed, but not till then, did Castor leave. Marcianus turned with a sneer to his fellow‐deacon and said, “Fly! you have full license from the bishop; and he sets the example himself.” “I must tarry in my own house,” answered Baudillas. “I have the ladies Quincta and Perpetua under my protection. They cannot return to their home until they be fetched.” “So! they lean on a broken reed such as thee!” “Alack! they have none other to trust to.” “The mob is descending our street,” cried the slave, Pedo, limping in. “What are we to do?” asked Quincta trembling. “If they discover me and my daughter here we are undone. They will tear her from my arms.” The deacon Baudillas clasped his hands to his head. Then his slave said: “Master, Tarsius is at the door with litters and bearers. He saith he hath been sent for the lady Perpetua.” “And for me?” asked Quincta eagerly.