The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

of them . The timid and superstitious tenanted them with unholy things , the deadly basilisk and the loathsome snake had there their habitation , and dark were the legends , and bloody the stories , that ancient beldames whispered to each other of

these winding passages . In these , the philosophic societies were Avont to meet , the JCAVS and the early Christians performed their rites , and as the windings Avere only knoAvn to the initiated , they formed a protection to the votaries , more effectual than

any army . When the persecutors of the Christian church revelled in " the blood of the Martyrs , they in these catacombs , cut out various shrines and which are still to be seen , and as Christianity spread , every Christian ' s house had a secret staircase leading to these shrines , Avhere at all times some of the

faithful Avere to be found paying their devotions to the most High . Adrian gazed around him Avith much curiosity , and he could not but admire the dexterity Avith which the society had enveloped its assembly AA'ith

such a maze of winding passages , and the cleverness with Avhich they had seized upon the catacombs as a refuge . He could readily perceive that on the first note of alarm , the members ,. Avell acquainted with the intricate Avindings could

disperse in all directions , aud baffle the attempts of any pursuer to track them , Avhile the large extent of ground these passages covered , made it impossible for even the largest army to entrap those so Avell acquainted with its mazes . Only treachery could betray them into the hands of their

ene-. From his reverie he was aroused by the approach of Paulus , Avhom Ave have already seen officiating as priest to a small band of Christians . He was accompanied by Lycus and Celsus , a noble Roman , whom Adrian had knoAvn in Athens , and

Avho now greeted him Avarmly . Paulus Avas a tall majestic looking man , Avith snow white hair ; but in spite of his advanced age , his frame Avas more vigourous than that of many a man AVIIO but numbered half his years . Paulus Avas the chief of these

philosophers in Rome . It may beAvondered at by some , that Paulus , being * a mere tanner , should yet hold such a distinguished position : but in this society , the Avorthiesfc and nofc the greatest , the wisest and not the richest held the highest seats .

It was a true level they met upon , Avhere onl y mind rose among the members , and all marks of external rank were left without the porch . Though Paulus was UOAV but a tanner on the marsh , it

must be kept in mind , that before he became a Christian , he had been a noble of Corinth . Even this , however , was unknown to most of the brethren , who had elected him only for his eminent abilities . To him , in all times of difficulty and

trial , did they go , and he proved to the older brethren a friend aud truly a brother , and to the younger an indulgent and careful father * . Thus ¦ i / O O his influence Avas paramount in the society , the members loving him as much as a friend , as they

esteemed him as a leader . Paulus greeted Adrian Avarmly , and taking him by the hand led him into the meeting room , and presented him to the members of the society . Adrian was surprised to find among them so many of the first men of Rome , senators , poets ,

philosophers . The room Avas about forty feet by thirty , cut out of the earth , and surrounded with pillars curiously carved . The seats Avere all formed of the earth , and an altar of the same material , but gorgeously cut rose in the centre . After Adrian

had suitably replied to the welcomes of his brethren , he took a seat on the right hand of Paulus . Lycus then rose , and addressing Paulus , asked his permission to alloAV him to examine some of the younger members about their doctrines , to which

an assent Avas given . Six of the neophytes approached the altar , Cossus the traitor being among * the number . Lycus having asked various questions turned suddenly upon Cossus : " Do you remember the vow you took upon this altar to hold inviolate our secrets ?"

*• I do , " replied Cossus , in ignorance that his crime Avas known , for he was unacquainted Avith the rank of Lyons in Trajan's household . The others , AVIIO Avere accustomed to such questioning of new members gave it but little attention .

" What was fche penalty of treacherously betraying our mysteries , or even of mentioning our names in the Avorld r "

" Death and dishonour . ' ' " Thou hast studied Avell , " replied Lyons . " Now for an example . What penalty should be inflicted upon him AVIIO schemes to divulge our secrets fco our enemies , AVIIO maintains a fair front

to his brethren , AVIIO joins them in their meetings , AVIIO aspires to their to their highest honours , and only to find means to betray them ? What does such an one deserve ?" Cossus changed colour slightly as he answered , "" '"Death . " " I am glad to find thou hast such a nice sense