Julius went on boldly and cheerfully, and the farther he went and the more vividly he represented to himself the life of the Christians, remembering all to himself that Pamphilius had said, the more joyous he became in spirit.
The sun was already descending toward the west, and he felt the need of rest, when he fell in with a man who was resting and taking his nooning. This man was of middle age, and had an intellectual face. He was sitting and eating olives and cakes. When he saw Julius, he smiled and said:—
“How are you, young man? The way is still long. Sit down and rest.”
Julius thanked him, and sat down.
“Where are you going?” asked the stranger.
“To the Christians,” said Julius; and he gave a truthful account of his life and his decision.