The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-07-29
RUNAWAY SLAVE: A TALE
OF ANCIENT ROME
ny ROBERT EUGENE McALPiNE.

The full moon shone brightly upon
the streets of Rome; the cool breeze
invited many to leave their close
apartments and come out for breath
of fresh air. The streets and broad
plazas were gay with the multitudes,
whose varied costumes, speech and
complexion showed that they came
from every land.
Presently a youth in Syrian cos
tune turned the corner of an alley
and began to drift aimlessly with
the crowds. Though strong of limb
and supple in body, yet the detected
look on his handsome face showed
that health of body does not always
give quiet of mind. The elation of
youth was lacking; he seemed to
feel himself on the losing side in the
battle of life.
Among the bable of sounds, Just
then his ear caught words in his own
tongue. A middle-aged man and
woman passed him, the man telling
her something most earnestly; mo-
ment more and he began to sing
gently. To the surprise of the now
eagerly listening youth, the song
proved to be Christian hymn which
he remembered having heard. In
stantly the scenes of his past life
flashed over his mind and he seemed
to gain fresh strength and hope from
the recall. Following these new
friends till convinced that they were
Christians, he ventured to address
them in their own tongue:
Pardon me, friends, but would
you be kind enough to help fellow
countryman? I have but lately come
to Rome, and though I have sought
earnestly for work, there seems to be
no place for me. My money is near
ly all gone, and IL do not soon find
some honest way to live, my case will
be desperate
"Ah, who are you and where do
you come from?"
THAT is a long story, but ! am
from the Taurus Mountains in Cappa-
docia, the same region from which
you evidently come, and l am an
honest man in search of work.
Poor boy" said the woman. You
are very young to be so far from
home and so adrift in the world.
Where is your mother?"
Dead, madam, and my father also.
They were murdered by band of
mountain robbers" and the boy had
struggle to repress sob.
''Ah. we'll, We must not keep you
standing here. We are on our way
to Christian service; would you
mind going with us?"
'I should be most happy to go
with you."
Are you a Christian?"
mo, know very little about the
sect, but threw away a good oppor-
tunity to learn it, which l now re-
gret, for what l then saw makes me
believe It more than mere supersti-
t1on, and in my present friendless
state, l think it might tend to give
me strength and courage"
Such frank questioning and reply
drew them. together and by the time
the place of meeting was reached,
they seemed like old friends. Sit
ting down among the waiting people,
the quiet calm of the place seemed
to bring peace to his spirit. And
when the aged preacher stood up,
the tones of his voice thrilled the
youth like noble music. Though his
stature was small and his silvery
locks and bronzed face revealed much
hardship, yet the clear light in his
eye and the warm glow of his mes
sage, made the hearers forget all
thought of weakness of his body.
The Syrian youth seemed to drink in
the words of the Gospel with eager
ears; SO deeply was he impressed
that he asked for more instruction
at the end of the service. His new
friends introduced him to several,
and presently to the great preacher
himself; they told of his desire for
the truth, and also of his life-story
as far as they knew 1t.
The aged man listened kindly,
asked few questions, and then lay
ing gentle hand on the youth, said.
81 think it is the wish of our Master
that you come and abide with me for
the present. My friend, Luke, the
beloved physician, has been taking
care of me, but of late he is SO occu.
pied with the Gospel message that
/ should not take his time for my
bodily wants. If you will make
your home with me, you can assist
my waning strength much, and l will
gladly tell you of our blessed Lore
and the salvation through Him." Sc
it came about that young Onesimu!
for that was his name-was taker
into the home of the great apostle
to the Gentiles, and was special,
charged with caring for his bodil,
needs. Willingly did he perform ever
the most menial service; for HI
loved and revered his master. AnC
that master in turn took the hand
some. gentle youthtto his very heart
giving him love next to that towart
Timothy. the more than son.
nhfo vorv Love hotwo than tend