Out of the Triangle: A Story of the Far East

ze of one man wandered from the promontory of Locrias on the east to the isle of Pharos on the north, and followed back the dyke that

, indicating a large vessel moored in the

thou?" aske

er speak

cropolis last evening," he conjectured. "Some Christians brought in from

rit looked from th

they will recant," he prophesied. "A man doth not r

ristians. Their great school here bath been scattered. And yet, Christians remain Christians still! It is incredible! Thou didst speak without knowing what hath happened. The Christi

st to brush the speaker's appa

y of Christians that had been brought captive to Alexandria, for a slave belonging to another household had told Athribis se

he ship needeth another passenger-my

ing of Heraklas' Christianity. If only he could find decisive proof, and bri

l, had the slave, with all his contriving, been able again to catch sight of the pap

he could have time to show it to somebody who could read! Deeply had Athribis regretted that he had not been more cautious in his first spying. But now, what hope was there? Athribis had set some

ure of the goddess Isis on the visible side of the ship's bow, both eye and figure, as Athribis knew, being duplicated on the

tarry longer. He

rning round of duties, did Athribis

ee hours ago," cautiously signaled t

r should gain any reward for betraying Heraklas to the authorities, the reward should be evenly divided. Half should belong to the

d Heraklas did not c

. Two weeks ago he had sought them for the first time to tell them that

s did thy brother Timokles,"

d sought some Christian who taught hi

of the Book than was written on his own papyrus, a Christian woman

he woman. "Vitruvius saw him carried

from Heraklas' hand. He grew weak and

m the desert! Back in his city-home of Alexandria! And not to be allowed to draw one free breath, to come back to the h

is usual step. He passed through the Gate of the Sun, and by discreet inquiries discovered whi

ne already! Timokles would go away

ristian!" cried

ched toward the isle of Pharos. Opposite him, the ship showed still more plainly than from the docks. Heraklas

ed Heraklas, as he stretche

ed him to find shelter. He went back to his hiding place a

rface of the harbor, Heraklas rose and girt about him the am

e ship. Reaching the small boat that floated by the

e so near together, Timokles and, himself. It was for this he had stayed outside Alexandria till the gate

pulled on the rope that fastened the small boat

hand above another, he drew himself higher, higher, till he grasped the ship's side. He struggled over it, and dro

uckets for bailing were worked. After long and careful groping, Heraklas concealed himself in the vesse

im the sound of a great sigh and the rattling of a

Rome," suspected Heraklas, not without a litt

her away. He could hear the sound of feet above him and the laughter of

egan to shine in the hold. There descended softly into the hold two men, one bearing a light. Heraklas drew back farther into the darkness. The men passed on, their light held so that Heraklas

klas had heard sounds. Stealthily Heraklas rose. He surmised wher

rned to speak to the other, and the

llowed without hesitation. For the fac

the men paused beside the Christians. Absolutely exhausted, most of them, by the forced march of the deser

ward, scanning one worn c

is way-more this s

one sleeper's shoulder,

these, after all. This is he! I would know him anywhere! I never saw that brand, thoug

little time to talk! Thinkest thou I care nothing for my head? Hasten! Wake him, if thou wilt, but hasten! Thinkest

knowest where aught is to drink!" responded Athri

umbered on, regardless

y sob rose in his throat. The Christian was indeed Ti

ward. Timokles' e

faintly, as, after a prolonge

an master!" jeered Athribis, "I see

nseen Heraklas cli

ed. A quiver passed over his lip

imokles. A sorrow deeper tha

ed. "Thy moth

ficient answer. Ti

er hateth thee! She is faithful to Egypt's gods, if thou art

to me on that errand?"

ughed, and

master! Farewell!" sai

silence. The great li

w voice, "O Athribis, may

. Athribis and his conductor went

ept near th

ered. "Timokles! O T