Petrus went up the mountain side with Hermas.

The old man followed the youth, who showed him the way, and as he raised his eyes from time to time, he glanced with admiration at his guide's broad shoulders and elastic limbs.

The road grew broader when it reached a little mountain plateau, and from thence the two men walked on side by side, but for some time without speaking till the senator asked: "How long now has your father lived up on the mountain ?" "Many years," answered Hermas.

"But I do not know how many--and it is all one.

No one enquires about time up here among us." The senator stood still a moment and measured his companion with a glance.
"You have been with your father ever since he came ?" he asked.
"He never lets me out of his sight;" replied Hermas.