She was condemned to perish on the gate Nicanor as a traitress to the Jews and a Nazarene." Julia started and looked at the girl over her shoulder.
"Are you of that faith, daughter ?" she asked in a changed voice, crossing her hands upon her breast as though by chance.
"I am, mother," answered Miriam, repeating the sign.
"Well, well, husband," said Julia, "the maid's tale can wait.

Whether she was a traitress to the Jews, or a follower of Christus, is not our affair.

At least she is in your charge, and therefore welcome to me," and stepping to where Miriam stood with bowed head she kissed her on the forehead, saying aloud: "I greet you, daughter, who are so sweet to see and in misfortune," adding beneath her breath, "in the Name you know." Then Miriam was sure that she had fallen into the hands of a woman who was a Christian, and was thankful in her heart, for while the Caesars sat upon the Roman throne the Christians of every clime, rank and race were one great family.
That evening, so soon as the darkness fell, they entered Rome by the Appian Gate.

Here they separated, Gallus leading his soldiers to convoy the treasure to the safe keeping of that officer who was appointed to receive it, and afterwards to the camp prepared for them, while Julia, with Miriam and an escort of two men only, departed to her own home, a small dwelling in a clean but narrow and crowded street that overhung the Tiber between the Pons AElius and the Porta Flamina.

At the door of the house Julia dismissed the soldiers, saying: "Go without fear, and take witness that I am bond for the safety of this captive." So the men went gladly enough, for they desired to rest after the toils of their long journey, and the door of the house having been opened by a servant and locked again behind them, Julia led Miriam across a little court to the sitting-room that lay beyond.