"Is there any regular entrance?" "There are innumerable entrances. That is the difficulty. If there were but few, then we might catch the fugitives. But we cannot tell from which direction to advance upon them." "Is any district suspected?" "Yes. About two miles down the Appian Way, near the tomb of Caecilia Metella, the large round tower, you know, bodies have frequently been discovered. It is conjectured that these are the bodies of the Christians which have been obtained from the amphitheater and carried away for burial. On the approach of the guards, the Christians have dropped the bodies and fled. But, after all, this gives no assistance, for after you enter the Catacombs you are no nearer your aim than before. No human being can penetrate that infinite labyrinth without assistance from those who live there." "Who live there?" "The fossors, who still excavate sand for the builders. They are nearly all Christians, and are always at work cutting out graves for the dead of the Christians. These men have lived there all their lives, and are not only familiar with the passages, but they have a kind of instinct to guide them." "Were you ever in the Catacombs?" "Once, long ago, a fossor guided me. I remained but a short time. My impression was that it was the most terrible place in all the world." "I have heard of the Catacombs, but never before knew anything about them. It is strange that they are so little known. Could not these fossors be engaged to lead the guards through this labyrinth?" "No. They will not betray the Christians." "Have they been tried?" "Certainly. Some comply, and lead the officers of justice through a network of passages till they get bewildered. Their torches become extinguished, and they grow terrified. Then they ask to be led back. The fossor declares that the Christians must have fled, and so takes back the soldiers to the starting point." "Are none resolute enough to continue on till they find the Christians?" "If they insist upon continuing the search the fossor will lead them on forever. But he merely leads them through the countless passages which intersect some particular district." "Are none found who will actually betray the fugitives?" "Sometimes; but of what use is it? Upon the first alarm, every Christian vanishes through the side ways, which open everywhere." "My prospect of success seems small." "Very small, but much is hoped from your boldness and shrewdness. If you succeed in this enterprise it will be your fortune. And now, farewell. You have learned from me all that I know. You will find no difficulty in learning more from any one of the fossors." So saying, Lucullus departed. Marcellus leaned his head on his hands, and lost himself in thought. But ever amid his meditations came floating the strains of that glorious melody which told of triumph over death: "Unto Him that loved us, To him that washed us from our sins--" CHAPTER III. THE APPIAN WAY.