IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) m ^■^ AV^. fe Z '^ 1.0 I.I IL25 III 1.4 2.5 2.2 2.0 18 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 '^ fV \\ ^v ^^- ^^^ .^ <; .^ t/j CIHM Microfiche Series (l\/lonographs) ICMH Collection de microfiches (monographies) Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ D Couverture endommag^ Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restauree et/ou pellicul6e □ Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque loured maps/ Caites geographiques en couleur I I Coloured maps/ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur "I Bound with other material/ Relie avec d'autres documents 0Tigh\. binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge interieure D Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouttes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela etait possible, ces pages n'ont pas ete filmees. □ Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplementaires: This Item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous. ^°^ 14X 18X 12X 16X L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a eti possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-£tre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la methode normale de f ilmage sont indiques ci-dessous. □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommagees □ Pages restcied and/or laminated/ Pages restaurees et/ou pellicul^s Q Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages decolorees, tachetees ou piquees □ Pages detached/ Pages detachees j A Showthrough/ Transparence varies/ inegale de I'impression □ Quality of print varii Qualite inegale de I'i □ Continuous pagination/ Pagination continue □ Includes index(es)/ Comprend un (des) index Title on header taken from:/ Le titre de I'en-t^te provient; □ Title page of issue/ Page de titre de la livraison □ Caption of issue/ Titre de depart de la livraison Masthead/ ue (periodiques) de la livraison □ Masthea Generiq 22X -f 26 X 3C) 20X 24X 28 X n 32 X qu'il cet I de vue Be ation ues The copy filmed here has bpen reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and enaing on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other oiiginal copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —►(meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included en one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper laft hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 L'exemplaire film* ft-t reproduit grdce it la g^ndrositd de: Bibliothdque nationale du Canada Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tanu de la condition et de la nettet6 de l'exemplaire film*, et en conformit6 avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaiies originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim6e sont filmds en commenpart par le premier plat et en terminant soit oar la dwrnidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impressicn ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, se'on le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premiers page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE " le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de rdduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de I'angle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant ie nombre d'images :)6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 22t 1 2 3 4 5 6 -■ ^iia^sV^ ^. ^^^ -jfv." >:- Z.i • t 'm 1 1 "The way became difficult ami stony, so that Titus was kept busy picl;ins the best places for tlie mule."— Pajfe 91. ^ TITUS: A CO.WRADE OF THE CROSS. BY Florence Morse Kingsley. Mitliur of "Stephen: A S./dicr of tlic Cross.' TORONTO : WILLIAM BRIGGS MOMRF.AL : C. W. COA TtS. HALIFAX : S. F. IIUtSTIS. Kif. * % ^, Canadian Edition. American CopyM;..,,,, iB.,4 „j To My Mother, Save for whose encouragement the book would never have been written, I inscribe "TiTUS," v.'ith grateful affection. X TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 9 CHAPTER I. BOUT seventeen years before this story begins there was mourninnr in one of the most beautiful of the homes of Jerusa- le In the court of the household the servants were gathered about the great central fountain, some weeping loudly, some talking and gesticulating. "We shall never, never see him again," said an elderly woman, wringing her hands. "He was such a darling— so swe^!" sobbed another, "and so beautiful, with his lovely eyes, and his cheeks red as a pomegranate." "Oh, my David, my David!" wailed a fourth, sitting flat upon the ground, with her head upon the edge of the fountain, and her tears mingling with its waters—" who could have the' heart to take thee from thy mother!" "His mother will die!" said the woman who had spoken first. <• I have it from Reba, her waiting-woman, that she hath gone from one fainting fit into another since she was told the child had been stolen." "And Prisca gone too; dost think she stole the little one.?" "Nay, woman! Prisca loved the lad as her own life; she would never harm a hair of his head." "I know that she loved him, but i fancy that she loved t. ' "4 10 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. n , Dost think the Greek carried that berrgarly Greek better, them both off ?" "How could he?" broke in another. "There was no way. had he been so minded." " Thou knowest not everything," said an old woman, who had not spoken before. "I have it from master's own body- servant, Malchus, that the master caucrht the Greek talkin. to Prisca m the gateway once, and bade him begone. The man answered something in an unknown tongue, but with a bold look withal; the master gave command to have him seized and scourged, which was done forthwith. And a heavy scourging It was too. for he was a Gentile. That was ten days since and now Prisca and the little David have both disappeared " Here all the women broke out afresh into loud wailincr and lamenting. , * in the meantime a far more painful scene was passincr in he interior of the palace. The sunshine was filtering thro;.h the branches of the trees, making wavering spots of brightness on the velvet sward. Roses, lilies and oleanders glowed in rich masses around the basins of marble fountains. Birds sinrr- mg sweetly flitted here and there. Yet everything seemed s^d and forsaken, for the mistress of all this beauty and splendor lay white and grief-exhausted, on her couch in a shaded chamber Near her, his face buried in his hands, sat her husband "No, Anna," he groaned, "I can get no trace of him I have sent the servants in every direction; Malchus hath searched the city since early dawn; I myself sought all night. Yet will I find him!" he continued fiercely, springing up and pacing the chamber hurriedly. "It were too horrible a thina carried way, TITUS: A C0.M[;ADE of the cross. H to endure patiently. May the God of Abraham witness tint 1 will be avenired of this vvroi.ir! And yet who can be my enemy? Who would dare to steal David, tne only son of Caiaphas.? 'Tis some plot to make me pay moneys for his redemption. Yet would I pay-to the whole of my for^ine Oh, my son. my son!" And the unhappy father rent his a.r-* ments, and lifting up his voice wept bitterly. " Nay, my husband, do not despair," spoke the soft voice of Anna. "There is yet hope; he hath only been gone since yester-eve. Yet as she spoke, the vision of her three-year-old darlincr rose before her, and she fancied him wailing for his mother^- perhaps sick and lonely in some dark den of the city perhaps dead. And her courage failed her, and she too wept bitterly smothering her sobs, woman-like, lest she add to her hus- band's anguish. And so the hours, heavy with sorrow, lengthened into days- and no tidings of the lost child. The days became weekv' st.ll no word of hope. So passed away months; and the months, leaden-footed, became in their turn years. The wail- ing m the servants' quarters ceased; the symbols of mournin-r were la.d aside; and nothing but the anguished look in the eyes o the mother told of the hidden sorrow-a sorrow more bitter than death. No more children came to fill the house with play and laughter; and while the gentle Anna became sad indeed, and silent Caiaphas, the master, gr.w by degrees gloomy, taciturn and of a temper not to be trifled with. Over the home once so gay and happy, lay a pall which could never be lifted 12 TITUS : A CO.MRADE OF THE CROSS. Once at feast time, Anna fancied that she caught a glimpse of the missing Prisca. The woman held by the hand a boy of about ten years, dark-eyed, dark-haired, and with the colo'r of a ripe pomegranate in his lips and cheeks. But before she could call a servant, the two had disappeared in the crowd, and could never be found, though Jerusalem was searched from wall to wall; and outside the walls also, among the pil- grims encamped there. "Perhaps after all u vas not Prisca," said Anna sadly to Caiaphas, as they sat in the garden at twilight. "I did not see her face, by reason of her veil. But the boy! Oh, my husband, he was so beautiful! And bursting into tears,' she hid her face on his arm. "Nay, my brave wife, weep not. Am I not better to thee than many sons?" And so he strove to comfort her sore heart. And again the empty years rolled on. TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS 13 •i? CHAPTER 11. ^AY was closing; and night, doubly welcome in an almost tropical climate, was close at hand. Over the waters of the lake glowed a thousand tender colors, con- stantly shifting and melting the one into the other— gold, crimson, rose, and rare purples in the sky above, and again in the glassy water beneath, which reflected also the dis- tant shores embowered in . ■• trees; while here and there the early l.ghts m a white-walled villa, or distant village, twinkled starhke through the dark masses of foliage. The surface of the water was alive ''with craft of various kinds; some, standing out at a distance from the land with wh. e and parti-colored sails, seemed endeavoring to catch the light breeze, which as yet scarcely ruffled the surface of the water; others, propelled by the oar, skimmed lightly about nearer the land. One standing on the shore could catch melodious snatches of song floating over the water, and the calls of the fishermen as they prepared to set forth for their nights work. In truth it was a fair spot, this lake of Gen- nesaret. And a fair city was Capernaum Standing as it did 14 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROCS. Ill near the head of this miniature sea, it carried on a busy trade with Its neighbors. Ample warehouses, with wharves and clustered shipping, occupied the waterfront; while behind lay the town with its great synagogue, built of white and rose- tmted marble, its public buildings, squares and streets, stretch- ing up to the base of a high range of mountainous hills, which swept like an amphitheatre about the lake. On this particular evening a solitary fisherman was engaged in fastening his craft to the bank of a little creek which emptied into ' the lake about half a mile from the city. The scene was a familiar one to him, and even the flash- ing glories of the ' sunset, now dying into a dim twilight, scarcely awakened more than an un- defined sense of happiness. He was thinking chiefly of the fact that he was hungry. Stooping, he hastily shook the rude fastening to see that It was secure, then took from the bottom of the boat his net, and a number of fine fish, which he proceeded to string upon a twig plucked from a convenient tree. As he walked quickly away, carrying his net over his i I i ■^ * TITUS: A COAIRADE OF THE CROSS. 15 Shoulder, the fish swinffing from his hand, he seemed rather . more than a boy-a vvell-^rrown lad of perhaps nineteen years well built, stronjr and muscular. A skin browned by exposure' black eyes under level black brows, jetty hair sli^rhtly curlin " And he was well ! " put in Stephen "Yes, perfectly well." said Prisca, " Not a bruise on him. Ah! how wonderful !" If^"*"' 48 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 1-1 : " Mother!" exclaimed the boy after a little pause, "let us go forth and find some sick ones among our neighbors, and tell them. Thou knowest that he said, ' I am sent to heal the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised.' Those were his very words. I cannot forget them. And, mother, if he came for that, would it not please him best if we should help him to do it?" " Thou art right, my son; I feel that thou art. We will go." And hastily wrapping herself in her mantle, and securing the door of their little home, she set forth with the lad. "We must stop here," said Stephen, pausing before a door. "Yes," said Prisca, "a blind man dwelleth here." They knocked, and a voice from within answered: " Enter." Pushing open the door, they found themselves in a courtyard more wretched than their own, for it was untidily littered with straw and filth; several goats and sheep wandered freely about; while a dozen or so of fowls perched aloft. Sitting against the wall, with his head bowed forward on his knees, and his wretched garments wrapped tightly about him, was a man. " Greetings to thee!" said the clear voice of the child. At the sound, the man raised his shaggy head, and turned his face toward the doorway. " Who art thou.?" he said in a husky voice. " I am Stephen, son of Dumachus. I am come with my mother that we may lead thee forth to find the great Healer. He will cure thee of thy blindness." " Nay, thou mockest me," groaned the man. " For knowest I TITUS : A COAIRADE OF THE CROSS. 49 thou not that my eyes were burned out with a red-hot iron: they be shriveled up in my head. No man could heal me." " But thou knowest not the power which this man hath," said Stephen. Then he poured forth eagerly the wonderful story of his own healing, and that of the baby. But the man only groaned and drew his rags more closely about him. " Come— come quickly!" said the lad. " Thou wert an innocent child, the babe also," said the man hoarsely, " but I-who am I, that one should heal me! I am accursed of gods and men. 'Twere best for me to die." " Nay, good neighbor," cried Stephen impatiently, under- standing nothing of all this. "Thou must come." And running quickly up to the man, he seized his hand and gave him a gentle pull. Something in the touch of those soft childish fino-ers perhaps the first friendly touch he had felt in years, bmke down the barriers in the man's soul-barriers raised by the disgrace, shame and suffering of years-and burying his face in his hands, he sobbed aloud, Stephen still stand" ing by, his childish soul perplexed at the sight of so much misery. " Come," he said presently, again touching the man. And this time the poor wretch rose from the ground, stretching forth his hands gropingly. "I will lead thee," said Stephen joyfully, possessing himself of one of the outstretched hands. And so the two set forth, Prisca following. "Dost thou know where to find him.? "asked the man ,'■ N 1 i ■ 1 i ■ '' Ui ' '' r 50 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. ■i I |li: |ii^ iiii in a trembling voice, a strange hope beginning to stir in his heart. " Nay," said Stephen, " but we shall find him." Then with a sudden illumination of eternal truth, he added simply: " If we want him truly and seek for him, we cannot fail to find him." Said Prisca, " I heard one of the women in the synagogue say that he lodgeth at the house of Simon the fisherman! *He dwelleth near the lake; i know the place." As they proceeded on their way thither, they saw many others thronging the narrow streets. Some carried beds on which lay poor sufferers wasted with every woeful disease known to man; others led the blind, or helped half-crippled ones slowly and painfully along. And as the multitude, ever growing, hurried on, the moans of the sufferers on their beds, the shrieks of demoniacs, and the wailing of sick children,' made a mighty chorus of misery. The house of Simon, as Prisca had said, was by the lake- side. It was a modest but thoroughly comfortable dwelling of two stories. Instead of the customary courtyard, a small Jar- den extended in gentle terraces to the water's edge; two or three fine fig trees cast a pleasant shade, while roses, oleanders, and lilies made the spot a sweet and pleasant one. Here dwelt Simon, who was also called Peter, his wife, and the mother of his wife, together with Andrew his brother. And here dwelt Jesus when he sojourned in Capernaum, On this Sabbath evening the family, with their beloved guest, were sitting in the garden enjoying the cool air, and talking in low tones. That day the Master had done great things for them also. The mother had been taken violently ill TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 51 With fever, and when Jesus was told of it after his return from the synagogue, he had taken her by the hand and lifted her up and immediately the fever had left her. so that she was able to rise and minister to them. As they sat, therefore, James and John being with them enjoying the Sabbath peace, and listening to Jesus as he talked' they became aware of a confusion of sounds-sounds of hurry- ing feet, of loud crying and wailing, mixed with shrieks and groans, and ever drawing nearer. " Hark!" said the wife of Peter, rising in her alarm. "What mean those d^ 'efui sounds?" " Thr . utude is seeking the Master," said John. " They are bnn^mg their sick with them." And rising, he went to the door of the garden and looked out. There was near Peter's house a square or market-place, and to this spot the people were hastening. And now they began to lay their burdens down upon the ground, the first- comers crowding as near as possible to the gateway of the garden, calling out as they did so: "Where is he that healeth? Let him come forth to us!" With many other confused cries such as, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy'" "Master' come forth, we pray thee!" And through it all sounded the woeful no.se of the wailing of the sick ones, whose sufferings had been greatly increased by the hurried journey through the streets and by the confusion and excitement. dut now into the midst of all this misery came the benign figure of the great Physician, divine love, sympathy, tender- ness and healing flowing from his eyes and his outstretched hands, even as the fragrance pours forth from the cup of a lily II ! i 1 ! f 52 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. IB #1 And as ae moved among the wretched beings, and touched one here and there, laying his hands on others with words of forgiveness and peace, the moans and shrieks changed to cries of rejoicing and relief. Already many were going happily away, to make room for others who were still coming from every quarter, when Prisca and Stephen with their charge reached the place. "He is here," said Stephen joyfully, clasping the hand of the bhnd man closer. « And many, oh, many others are here to be healed ; and some are going away well," he continued. And mdeed the quick ear of the blind man had already caught the exclamations of thanksgiving, amid the babel of sound, and, breaking away from the hands that still held him, he ran with a quick instinct to a little open space where Jesus had paused for an instant, and throwing himself on his knees, caught him by the garment, and cried out loudly : "Jesus, Master! I beseech thee to have mercy on me!" And he answered : " Believest thou I am able to do this ?" "I believe," murmured the man, turning his sightless eyes up to thv^ face above him. Jesus, looking at him, beheld behind the blind eyes the soul stained with guilt, weary with suffering, and hungry for love; and, touching his eyes, he said, " Go in peace." And the blind man was blind no longer. He saw; and his first vision was ..f that face full of compassion and tenderness Then was his soul stirred with a mighty love for the Healer And he rose up and went away, as he was bidden, carrying with him a memory destined to become a perpetual fountain of blessing to himself and others through time and eternity. TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. S3 ill CHAPTER VII. ^ "E morning sun, as it flickered cheerfully .M through the high latticed window of a room m the house of Caiaphas, revealed an apart^ ment of noble proportions. After the fashion of he times, a divan extended along the wall on three sides; the fourth side bein. low tables, and chairs of Roman workmanship rrev.se o^r :t,-ru- r'-^^ ™ --^"^^^^^^^^ The sole occupant of the room on this nle.sint n. ■ was Arm +h^ „ ■( ^ . pleasant mornmg was AKna the wife or Ca.aphas. Sorrow-laden years had still perfect and graceful as In youth '""" """ c .^blng roses and ofHer fragrant flowe'rw e.h T^ Zl' trades, and cast pleasant silhouttes of dancing leaves on , he ™rble pavement beneath. The tinkling of a f:un«n w !|i (,: I r 54 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. borne pleasantly to the ear, mingled with the twittering of birds. It was very quiet and peaceful, and the peace seemed reflected in the face of the lady, as she worked quietly and steadily, drawing the gold threads through the rich fabric in her hands. Presently there was a sound of footsteps on the terrace, and Anna, raising her eyes from her work, saw the tall figure of a man standing at the entrance. " Greetings to thee, my wife," he said. At the sound of his voice the lady rose, and casting aside her work, came forward to meet him with a little cry of joy. "'Tisthou, my husband! And 1 expected thee not until evening." "We traveled by the light of the full moor and found it more pleasant than sunlight," said the man. •' is all well with the household.?" he continued, "and with thee, my Anna.?" " All is well," she answered. " And how didst thou find our kinsfolk in Capernaum?" " They are in good health," replied Caiaphas; then frown- ing darkly, he added, " But Jairus is as strangely infatuated with the man Jesus as are others in Galilee; he declares that he believeth him to be the Messiah. 'Tis rank blasphemy, and goeth against the Scriptures." " But is it true about the miracles of healing of which we have heard.?" asked Anna with true feminine curiosity. " There is no end to the marvels which fill the mouth of every Galilean rustic," said Caiaphas contemptuously. "I would that the marvels were all of it, but the pestilential teachings of the man—" Here he checked himself, saying, TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 55 "But these be not things to trouble thee with., I shall take steps to put a stop to it. Now I must rid myself of the stams of travel; and wilt thou, my Anna, bid the servants pre- pare me some refreshment, for I have not eaten since before sunrise. But stay!" he added, fumbling in the ample folds of his garment. " I have a letter for thee from the wife of Jairus." And handing Anna a small sealed packet, he hur- riedly left the apartment. Anna regarded the letter in her hand with a smile of pleased expectancy, but forbore to open it until she had made due arrangements with her maids for the comfort of her husband- for she was a notable housewife. Then traversing the terrace' she descended the marble stairway which led into the garden' and seating herself upor. a bench near the fountain, proceeded to break the seal of the letter which she still held in her hand. It was written upon a fine parchment, then tightly rolled bound about with a silken thread, and sealed with wax in several places; so that the opening of it was a matter which occupied several moments. The last seal being broken, the lady spread open the parchment and began to read. Sara the zvife of Jairus, unto the noble lady Anna, my sUter beloved of Jehovah, Greetings : We have had much pleasure in the presence with us of Caiaphas, thy most noble husband, and the High Priest of the fh Jt^i^^P"',, ^"^K ^^^Pe^'-'^l'y did we rejoice in^the knovAeZl that all IS well wi h thee, and with thy household, and with the household of Annas, our father. In truth, though this be a fair city, and though our home be very dear to me, I often- kin.tn r^ ^7 ^''^ *'^""^' °^ "^y y°"*h' '-^"d for the fac^s of mv kinsfolk and acquaintance which be at Jerusalem. Of late, lliii 56 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. there hath been that which hath caused much talk amonp us: lo-wit the presence in Capernaum of the Nazarene, Jesus, who hath wrought great wonders of healing, and teacheth new and strange thmgs. iV\y husband. Jairus, who is, as thou knowest, a just man, and one holy and acceptable in the si^ht of our God, believeth him to be the Messiah foretold by the bcriptures; and I grieve that the matter was one which caused a hot dispute between my husband and the worshipful Caia- ^ u-^u u'^^ ^"'' "myself, I have seen with mine own eyes that which hath caused me to be filled with wonder and amazement: for, behold, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and all manner of diseases have been healed by this man. Moreover, he hath cast out many devils from those possessed by them, and the Q^e^'s themselves have testified of him that he is the Holy One He is beautiful to look upon, my *nna, but of a mysterious and wonderful presence, so that, while one looks, there seem- eth to go out from him an influnce which draweth all unto him. Even our little Ruth, who hath seen him, and heard him preach in our synagogue, ceaseth not to talk of him; and she doth frequently beg me to go forth with her to seek him. This have 1 not done, for the crowds which attend him at all times are so great that it were not seemly for me, a daughter of Annas, to mingle with them. Notwithstanding, I have taken every opportunity to hear him whenever it hath been possible and also to inform myself of his teachings. He teacheth often by stories and parables, and, in brief, that all may return unto God the Father of all. H speaks of himself, sometimes as A, H ?l ^°^' ^^^' sometimes as the Son of man, and declareth that he hath come f mm God to call sinners to repent- ance. It is rumored that in Samaria, even, he hesitated not to u u xJ^ woman of their nation concerning this salvation- which thing would not be done by the Rabbis, as thou know- est, for indeed the Samaritans be not of the true faith. Another strange thing about this man is that he hath selected for his followers certain men of the lower classes, some of whom are fishermen by trade, and dwell in Capernaum. In truth TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 57 my sister, 1 fear that I cannot make thee clearly to under^tnnH ^^ed* tte^MeS '"S"! -^T"^ '" believ'L't t™fm n s, pafthf :^tt fn"'„i^L"„iie*'e.rii;;^i^^:;rtt^l'f^ then assuredly thou wilt understand. ^ ^^^^' HJLI'Vh^refthfet^rai^^^^^^^^^ As Anna finished reading this epistle, she became aware that someone was waiting her pleasure to speak with her. and raising her eyes, she saw Malchus, the favorite servant of her husband. The man made a gesture expressive of profound respect, and then spoke: "My lord hath desired me to say unto thee, most noble ady that matters of importance will detain him until the hour for the evening repast. He will see thee at that time, if it be thy pleasure." The man after delivering his message was about to with- draw, when Anna detained him with a word " Stay!" she said. " Thou mayst tell thy master that it is well, and that the repast will be served in the garden of the mner house, at sunset. 1 will await him thetc." Then as the man still lingered, she added pleasantly-for he was an old and trusted servant-" Didst thou enjoy thv journey to Capernaum, Malchus?" > -ii W 1^ 5b TITUS : A COMIMDE OF THE CROSS. " I did, most noble lady," wns the reply; then rather hesi- tatingly he added, " I saw there a man whom I knew formerly in Jerusalem, He had been sick with the palsy for many years, and when last I saw him, had Iain on his bed unable to move for more than ten years. He was walking about in the streets of Capernaum as nimbly as 1 myself. I spoke with him, for I thought at first that my eyes had played me false, but it was the same man. His name is Eliphaz, and formerly, before he was stricken with his ailment, he was a servant of the revered Annas." " And what caused this most notable cure, good Malchus?" said Anna encouragingly. " I asked him, most noble lady, and he said that one Jesus of Nazareth, which is in Galilee, saw him lying upon his mat at the city gate, and bade him rise up and carry his bed to his home; and that he was able to carry out the command. It was a most amazing thing! Afterward, I myself saw the man who worked the miracle." " Didst thou see him perform any cure.'" questioned Anna. " Nay; he was telling a story to a crowd of people. 'Twas a pretty tale and easy to be understood. The children who were there— and there were very many of them— listened as quietly as any of the grown folk. I should like to have heard more, but I could not stop, for I was taking a message from my master to one of the rabbis." Anna longed to question the man further, but restrained herself, and dismissed him with a pleasant word of praise for his faithfulness. Meanwhile Caiaphas, the high priest, was seriously occu- TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CF^OSS. 59 pied in his own part of the mansion. Soon after his arrival in Jerusalem, he had sent messengers to men of authority in the Jewish church, with imperative summons to wait upon him at a certam hour in the palace. For some time past, a servant had been ushermg these expected guests into an apartment vvh.ch was especially set apart for such purposes. It was like the o.,2r rooms in the palace, lofty and well lighted, but' fur- nisher With the utmost simplici nd severity When all were assembled. Malchus acquainted his master with the fact, and he entered the apartment with a mier at once dignified a.,J austere. All but one of the company rose in greeting, and before that one. Caiaphas himself paused, and bowing his head, said: "Most revered and noble Annas, I greet thee; and I am especially glad that thou art present with us to-day, for by thy wisdom thou canst guide us in our deliberations." The man who had sat to receive the salutation of the high priest, was of reverend aspect; his beard flowing upon his breast was of silvery whiteness, while beneath the snowy folds of his turban shone singularly keen and brilliant eyes Yet despite its dignity, there was in the face of this man that which to the close observer would indicate cunning, obstinacy, and cruelty. ^ He responded courteously to the greeting of Caiaphas, and as the latter seated himself said: "My son, thou hast called us together to-day to learn the result of thy mission to Galilee What IS now thine opinion of the man who is called Jesus?" "I found," said Caiaphas, " that the reports of the excite- ment in Galilee had not been exaggerated, but rather that we 60 TITUS : A COAUUDE OF THE CROSS. bid not heard to the full how this man hath stirred up the populate. He hath been teaching not only in the streets of the city, and in the byways of the country round about, but after the manner of the rabbis, he enters into the synagogues and teaches there. According to the popular reports he hath performed great works of healing. Of these 1 did not satisfy myself; for I saw nothing, and of that which I heard, I make no account. The credulity of the common peopl.' is well known; and more especially in Galilee, they are ignorant and little qualified to judge of such matters." "But," said a man called Nicodemus, " is it not true that even in Jerusalem this Jesus wrought some notable cures?" '"Tis said that he did, most noble friend," replied Caiaphas. " But which of us can prove it.? if the cures had been per- formed upon reputable citizens, they might perhaps be worthy of our note; but, as thou knowest, the ones professing to be healed were beggars. And the word of a beggar— what is it! But after all, it is not of this Jesus as a physician that we would speak. He might heal all the beggars in the country without harm; but his more serious pretensions demand our consideration. I tell thee frankly that the man pretends to be the Messiah, and as such is likely to have a great following among the people." "His pretensions are blasphemous," broke in the sonorous voice of Annas. " I have studied the Prophets from my youth up, and nowhere do 1 find such an one as this for^etold. The Messiah is to be a mighty king, who will save the chosen peo- ple of Jehovah fro'm the hand of their enemies; and he shall establish his throne in Jerusalem and reign in power. It is TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 61 moreover prophesied, that the prince shall be of the lineage of David, and shall be born in Bethlehem of Judea. This man is a Nazarene." "If this man were the Messiah," spid another, "he would assuredly seek to ally himself with the priesthood of the Mnst High." "He not only doth not o seek t-. ally himself," broke in Caiaphas with an angry rcn, " i jt he hath been heard to speak lightly of the laws .-J cv Urns of the church, and even of the Pharisees and Sc.bes. Moreover he observeth not our laws, and doth eat with unwashen hands, and min- gleth with publicans and sinners, even going into their houses to eat and to drink. My counsel is. that we require certain wise and prudent ones of the rabbis to watch this man, and report to us of his doings; for there is great danger to the priesthood, and to the institutions of the God of our fathers, if he be allowed to teach unchecked." " Thou speakest with wisdom, servant of the Most Hicrh," said Annas. " It is our duty to guard the faith of ou. fathers and to preserve it from contamination. If this man be a blas- phemer, he ought to die. it is our law. Yet must we move with due caution and secrecy in the matter, lest we incur the displeasure of the people." A murmur of applause followed this sentiment; and then arose a discussion of ways and means, in which all present took part, with the result that certain wise and crafty men, approved by the council, were appointed to go into Galilee and watch the man Jesus, that they might find sufficient accusation against him to warrant putting him to death. ^1 :'f- w' y 62 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. CHAPTER VIII. IS a wonderful tale, my Stephen, but I ^=. must needs believe it, since I have thee ■"^'■- before mine eyes, and I make sure that I am not dreaming it all." The speaker was Titus, and as he said the last words, he gave himself a vigorous shake, as if to prove to him- self beyond a doubt that he was in full possession of his wak- ing senses. The two lads were walking slowly along the lake shore stopping now and then, to throw a pebble into the translucent water which rippled on the beach at their feet. Stephen had been pouring forth the wonderful tale of his meeting with Jesus, and of the healing of Gogo and himself. "And to think," he went on, "that thou hast not seen him' Nay, but thou must see him when he returns to Capernaum. Oh, Titus, I love him so-better than anyone in the whole world!" "Better than thy mother, boy.?" questioned Titus, some- what surprised. "Yes, better than mother; arJ yet I love mother more than ever before, and thee also, my Titus. He loves everyone If thou couldst have seen his face, the night when so many sick folk were carried to him to be healed! I was half afraid to look, and yet I longed to, for there was a light upon it like to TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 63 the light of the sun— and yet not like it; and when he spoke to the blind man, and said to him, ' Go in peace,' 1 felt in my soul that the man must needs see. No one could remain blind before the glory of that face! Thou knowest,'" continued Stephen, after a little pause, "that we have had ,;o religion; father speaks of the gods, when he curses. Mother told me once that she was of Jewish blood, yet hath she never gone to the synagogue, save once when she knew that the Healer would be there. I would I knew something of the Father of whom he speaks. One thing I know," he added with energy, " I shall continue to follow him and listen to all that he saith, and perhaps 1 shall find out soon." " Hast thou had speech with the man since he healed thee.?" asked Titus. "Nay," answered Stephen, "he is always surrounded with crowds, and so many would speak with him that I know not how he findeth time to take food; but I have followed him day by day here in Capernaum, and when, a few days since, he set forth to visit the villages round about, I went as far as I could with him. I knew the mother would fear for me, if I failed to return by nightfall. Titus, I am sure that something IS wrong with mother. She weeps often and so bitterly that I am afraid— yet father hath been away, and I am well." " Hast thou asked her what aileth her.?" queried Titus. "Often and often," said Stephen, " but she only answers: ' Thou canst not help me, my son, and why should I tell thee.?' Wilt thou ask her, my Titus.?" " Perhaps," said Titus briefly. " And now tell me what thou hast been doing, and where 'f| i .Ml Tiirrf 64 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. ' I. 1 thou hast been; and let us sit here, in the shade of this tree for the sun waxeth too warm for comfort." And Stephen threw himself down benepth a thrifty fia tree. Titus followed his example, and pdling a stalk of lilies which grew near, he began plucking it to pieces, throwing the brilliant leaves in showers upon the ground. "Thou wouldst not do that, hadst thou heard the Master speak of the lilies," said Stephen quietly, stretching out his hand as if to save the flowers. " And what said he of the lilies.?" asked Titus moodily, con- tinuing his work of destruction. " He said that the Father made them, and that if he cared for the lilies enough to make them so fair, he would surely care for the creatures which he also made. He said, too, that he himself came to teach us of the Father, who is great and mighty, and who loves all of us." "Humph .'"said Titus gruffly, throwing away the dismantled stalk with an impatient gesture. "What aileth thee, my Titus.?" said Stephen ienderly taking one of the strong brown hands in both his own " Thou seemest not like thyself. But come, tell me of all that thou didst while thou wert gone." " 'Twere not a fit tale for thee to hear," said Titus, fixing a gloomy look on the white sails which glittered on the blue sur- face of the lake. '< What couldst thou expect of such ruffians? Thou didst hear then talk the night we set forth. I was com- pelled by brute force to do things which i will not tell thee Nay, may my tongue wither up in my mouth, if I do'" he* added fiercely. " 1 tell thee 1 hate Dumachus and all of his ■I I TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 65 crew! They be devils, and will make me one too. When thou talkest m thy innocent fashion of this great Healer, as thou callest him, I cannot tell thee how I feel. He healeth the lame the sick and the helpless, while we have been robbing, maim- mg-yes, even killing!"-the last in a husky whisper, and the lad buried his face in his hands, and wept convulsively Stephen sat in perfect silence, all the happy light gone out of his lace; but at length he stretched out his hand, and laid It gently on Titus' bowed head. "Thou wouldst never do such things of thyself, my Titus Thou hast ever been tender with the mother and with me- in the dark days before I was healed, I could never have borne it but for thee; thou didst carry me in thy strong arms; thou didst sing to me, and tell me tales which eased me of my weariness and pain. Thou art a good lad, and a true, Titus '' he went on stoutly, "and thou shalt not go with those bad me'n again. Stay with the mother and me, and all shall be well with thee." Titus had ceased his sobbing; straightening himself and half turning away his face to hide tha redness of his eyes he said brokenly: ' " I am not good, my Stephen, but thou art good enough for us both. Let us walk further." " Yes," said Stephen, springing up with alacrity. " It may be that we shall meet him of whom I have told thee A week since, he set forth to make a circuit of the lake for I asked one of the fishermen who follow him at all times " " What fishermen dost thou mean?" asked Titus, interested in the mention of his own favorite craft. I ' 1 U ' ■ i i JJ Tirpf" 66 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. " They be Simon, with his brother Andrew, also James and John, sens of Zebedee. Dost know them?" " I know who they are; 1 have oftentimes seen them on the lake fishing, and once, one of them spoke kindly to me at the wharf." . " They do not fish now," said Stephen. " They have given it up, that they may not leave the Healer. I heard the people talk of it. A rabbi in the crowd said, 'Good people, this man selecteth strange disci- ples; dost see it.?' But the people paiu no manner of attention to him— they were too busy talking of all that they had seen and heard." "Then the rabbis love him not.'" said Titus with a laugh. "They be jealous for their own teaching — the canting hypocrites! I have heard them standing in the market- places, droning out their long prayers. They must needs draw their robes about them, for fear such an one as I should pollute them with a touch. But what is that crowd of people yonder about.? See them running from every direction! Let us make haste and see! " Saying which, Titus broke into a run, followed by Ste|:'- ;. "1 have heard them droning- out their long prayers." TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 67 "What is it ail about? 1 see nothing," said Titus, to one who was craning his neck to look up the road. " Kaowest thou not," answered the man, " that Jesus of Nazareth passeth this way? Even now he is coming. ^ Dost thou not see?" And he pointed to a cloud of dust on the highway, where dimly appeared a confused multitude of people. '< Thou seest that ^reat numbers are with him " con- tinued their informant. <-The people flock after him from every village. There hath never been the l-:ke of this man in these parts before; f.r he doeth wonuer. of healing, and besides that, he speaketh not as the rabbis, but with such power Inat even the devils obey him." "1 am one that he healed," said Stephen simply, for he listen "°* ^'^^ ^'"'"^ *"'' °'^" '*°''^ *' '^^'^ °"' ^'^° ^°"'^ The man stared at him. "And of what did he heal thee?" he asked. " I was a cripple-" begtin Stephen. But at that moment they were interrupted by a . ...i and mournful cry, but withal in so strange a voice that all started to hear it. "Unclean! Unclean!" wailed the voice "Room for the leper!" shouted half a dozen voices; and there was an instant scattering among those who were crowd- ing the road in their anxiety to see. Stephen and Titus s-ank back among the rest, and saw the tall figure of the leper, as he limped painfully toward the advancing multitude, still crying at intervals in his hoarse metallic voice: ' "Unclean! Unclean!" f'^ >'' ', if; 3. ^ir ' ffl^ 68 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE- CROSS. ^ ) li His face was partly concealed by the coarse linen -.f irs head-covering, which he had drawn forward so as to hiJe as much as possible the ghastly ravages of his malady. But it was evident that he was sufferin^^ from ;

, walking in their midst, had nearly reached the place wher- the leper sto:d. As they approached, again sounded forth the dlsmw} cry: "Unclean! !j,>.c,e-in!" The advancing multitude shrank back, leaving Jesus stand- ing alone in the midst of the highway. When the Lrer saw him, and that he did not turn from him, as did the others, he ran forw trd, and falling upon his face in the dust, cried out: " Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, " I will: be thou clean." And immediately he rose up and it was seen of all of them that his leprosy was departed, and that his flesh was like that of other men. In the awed hush that followed, Jesus talked with him that had been a leper; but in so low a tone that no other could hear. Afterward it appeared from the man's account, that the Healer was directing him to go quietly and show himself to the priest, as Moses had commanded, thus fulfilling the law of cleansing; and also, that he charged him strictly to tell no one else of the wonderful thing which had been done unto him. TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 69 n. ^"*rl^' """" ^"^"''''^' ' ^''^^ ''y ''"^'^ f^o'^ '-^H the peo- ple and they crowded abouf the Healer more closely than before so that Stephen and Titus, who still stood at the out- skirts of the throng, were pushed to one side. "Was not that a marvelous thing?" said Stephen, when he could nnd his voice. But Titus did not answer, and, looking up at him, Stephen saw that his great dark eyes were brimming over with tears.. Ill In rr 70 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. CHAPTER IX. ^ ,_^ '^^^ SAY, young man! thou lookest to E"* » iif h^ve a sturdy back — wilt thou not '-Ul. Wk '^^'P "s with our burden?" The speaker was one of four men, who were bearing some apparently heavy load between them, and the person to whom he addressed himself was Titus, who, with Stephen, was return- ing from a fishing expedition on the lake. The two were well laden with the spoils of their even- ing's work, and with the fish- ing nets, yet at the sound of the voice they stopped, and mov- ing toward the spot where the four men stood, they percei. ed that the burden which they had been carrying was one of the light beds, or sleeping mats, and that upon it lay the figure of a man apparently helpless. "Thou seest," went on the first speaker, "that we have undertaken to carry this young man to the house of Simon the fisherman, for it is there that Jesus of Nazareth bideth, and we hope that he may be able to heal him." At this the man on the pallet groaned audibly. " But one of our bearers is an old man and infirm, and he hath not the strength to proceed further; so * % TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 7| TXTcu" '," " '"' ""• '" *"* *^ ^"" «° "-'her forward nor back, unless, young man, tiiou wilt help us " "1 will «ladly help thee," said Titus. ■• Here Stephen canst take my net and the.se fish'" ^".phen, of "tL^l""" "'"' '" '"''■" '""^ '" 'he quavering voice of the old man, who had by this time somewhat recovered h,rnself. " And a father's blessing be upon thee, if thou do' help my poor boy to find the Healer." "O father," groaned the sufferer upon the bed, " wh.at is ag.i.n,th.-,t 1 suffer on account of ray sins; and that 1 must eeds bear ,t, for it be laid upon me by the Almighty? Surely Most HiX fr:H*° T""'' '°"^"^" ''' '"^«-"'^ »' 'he Most _ High, for thou knowest that 1 am a sinner above all knl?h?th '"I""' *' '"""'"■" «'"""""' 'he old man. "I art a good '7 T; *°" "'' *''^ ""' ' ^"°" 'h- 'ha. thou and l^am th I' ^"^ """' "' "' "^ "^hteous altogether, and I am thmkmg that, were the Almighty so minded he Ton asTav" Th"" '° °'" ''''■ '"' '"^''^^ '^ ^ htt n::rue!7ds..''"^ " ""' °"' '«hteous-no, not one. ,s i. ,JZ rhisTa™." "' "^"'' *"' •^""^ '^" *^ "-^ ''- tira'e ^hT' """' "°"- ' ''" ""' "f *^ hearers briskly, " 'tis Steady'" ATdT'f ''"'"« ^'°"* """^ 'hen, take"^ hold! ateady! And the four with their burden set off at <, r,„iH pa„ down the street, the old man and Stepherf:!!;^ i I' I fWlf* 72 TITUS A COy.UAlJE OF THE CIJOSS. " My poor bo.\'! My poor boy!" murmured the old man, as if to himself, shaking his head .-^adly. " Hath he been long in this way?" a«;l <>^ jf'' 5^>:« :^' ^4 C/u 88 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. ,! , .>' «cia !9i CHAPTER XI. %y^^ HOUGH the dawn was yet so young that a ^ few stars l:n,;Tered in the heavens, the great courtyard in the house of Jairus was a scene of the liveliest confusion. Servants were flying hither and thither, and men shouting to each other as they led forth the mules and prepared to load them with the baggage of various sorts which was already lying in great piles on the pavement. In the midst of the court stood Benoni, directing one here, cautioning another there, and keeping a calm and dignified mien, as was his wont on all occasions, however trying. As the beasts of burden were loaded, one after another was led out into the street and stood waiting in a long line. " And now bring forth the master's horse, together with the mules, and quickly! For time doth fly, and we must accom- plish the first stage of our journey before the heat of the day begins." At this command there issued from his stall an Arabian horse, showing in his full, dark eyes, small head, and slender, clean-cut limbs, all his pride of birth. After the Arabian came a number of large, sleek mules, with luxurious accoutrements, each led by a groom. Benoni had already left the courtyard for the purpose of informing his master that all was ready for a start, and he now hurried forth again, followed in more leisurely fashion by Jairus, his wife— the noble Sara— and their TITUS : A CO.MRADE OF THE CROSS. 89 little daughter. Ruth, with several maids laden with wraps of various kinds. "I am so glad that we are going at last!" cried Ruth jov- ously, bounding ahead of the rest of the party. "And tlie're IS my dear old Bekah! Ah, I believe you know me, you dar- ling!"-caressing, as she spoke, the nose of a snow-white mule, which stood a little apart from the others. "Wait, darling," said the soft voice of her mother. "Let Benoni lift thee to the saddle." But the strong arm of Titus had already snugly ensconced the little damsel in her place. " Titus can do it quite as well as Benoni, as thou seest, my mother," said Ruth gayly. " 1 am so glad that thou art to lead my Bekah!" she continued, patting th(a glossy neck of the animal, " because I can talk to thee as we journey. Last time I had old Asa, and he was too deaf to hear me, even had I cared to talk with him." Titus showed his white teeth in an appreciative smile, but said nothing. Truth to tell he stood somewhat in awe of the imperious little maiden, who, with her .hazel eyes and golden hair, seemed a being set apart from the rest of the world At last all were settled to their satisfaction, and one after another moved slowly out from the great gateway, now thrown wide open. Benoni, wiping his heated face, paused for a few last words of warning and advice to the under-^eward who was to be left in charge of the house during his absence- then he too jumped into his saddle and clattered down the street after the procession, which was already well under way Ruth rode behind her mother, and was followed by Marissa- ir»«*^- 90 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. While Jairus, with a number of heavily-armed men-servants, traveled in front. The beasts of burden, laden with rich olferinrrs for the feast, and with the tents, cooking utensils, and other things needful for the journey, each under the charge of a man, brought up the rear. The city was already stirring, early as it was, and the pro- cession, as it wound through the streets and squares, attracted much attention. The wife of Jairus drew her veil more closely about her face, and bade her daughter do the same. The little maiden obeyed, but her bright eyes peeping out from the gauzy folds were intent on losing nothing of the lively scenes about. Presently, to his surprise, Titus spied Stephen, his fishing nets on his shoulder, waiting, like the others, to see the cavaN cade pass. On beholding Titus, his face flushed with pleasure, and holding up a string of fish, that their size and number might be appreciated, he shouted: "Farewell; and may the gods protect thee!" " Who is that lad ?" asked Ruth curiously. "And why doth he say, ' May the gods. protect thee,' as if there were several ?" "Tis m;' brother Stephen," answered Titus. "And he saith ' gods,' because he hath been accustomed to hear it from his youth. We are of Greek parentage." "Nay, thou lookest not like a Greek; I have seen many or them," said the little girl. "Thou art a Jew, by thy features; thou art like someone 1 know, but who it is 1 cannot remember! But tell me of this brother— Stephen, thou didst call him." " I can tell thee something wonderful about him," said Titus. "He was a cripple, and could not walk; and the Healer— Jesus TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. 91 -cured him, so that he is, as thou didst see. a stroncr kid albeit of a delicate and beautifi:: countenance-at least," added Titus modesuy, " he doth so seem to me." " Yes, of course," said Ruth somewhat impatient at the digression. " But was he really healed, so that he can walk.? Tell me all about it— every\,hin She hath not been in the garden to play this morning." "She is ill," said Marissa soberly; "we have sent out for a physician. I am going now for some hot water; do not keep me." Titus opened the door leading into the passage-way which connected the two courtyards, and followed Marissa as she hastened on with her pitcher. " What aileth the little one.?" he asked, as she paused to dip some water from a steaming cauldron. "We know not. She hath fever and complaineth of pain in her head. It hath not been well with her since our return from Jerusalem." " Where is the master.?" asked Titus. "He is with the child," answered Marissa, "also her mother, and old' Tabitha, who nursed th? mistress in her infancy. She knoweth more about sickness than all the doc- tors put together. Ugh! I dread to have them come near the child with their loathly nostrums! When 1 had the fever, they i: hi I : ■. ,!!>"•< 106 TITUS : A COMRADE OF THE CROSS. Ill' gave me the juice of scorpions mixed with wine. I swallowed it not, but poured out each dose; I thought the medicine would be better in the ground than I myself yet awhile." And she hurried away with the steaming pitcher, leaving Titus to tell the sad news of the little Ruth's illness to the other servants, who had crowded around. He left them as soon as possible, for their society was at best distasteful to him, and now their dismal forebodings and ominous waggings of the head filled him with a kind of dull rage. "The stupid rabble!" he muttered to himself, "they care for nothing so much as to wag their chattering tongues! How they peep and whisper, and run with every bit of news, as doth a greedy chicken with a piece of bread." He was wronging them, and in his heart he knew it, for every one about the place loved the little lady, as she was always called. As he paced uneasily up and down, he saw that the door of the passage-way leading to the street was standing open; and presently, without exactly knowing why, he foun'd him- self outside. Once there, he bent his steps toward the quarter of the town where was the poor place he still called home " 1 must see Stephen," he said to himself, as he hurried along. Meanwhile, in her chamber, which opened upon one of the small inner courts of the house, the little Ruth was tossing wearily upon her bed. "Oh, mother, my head! my head!" she moaned. And the mother watching by her side, saw with a sinking TITUS : A CO.MRADE OF THE CROSS. 107 heart, the scarlet flush on the child's cheek, and her eyes hourly growing more sunl- ■"- - •* 1 1^(1 IHH ey( the the din she Na2 "Tl Stei to ( SOU) ship ma> to J^ forti sinc( to k he v\ B shov^ TITUS : A COAIFMDE OF THE CROSS. 1 1 1 eyes fixed jpon the door of the inner court. He had heen there for h-airs, waitinrr f(,r s^me one to come out. When therefore, Benoni issue