b'DEATH AND A CROCODILE 11What secret did it wish to show her? A nest of kittens, perhaps? A shiny trinket the scavengers had missed? Whatever it was couldnt be worth clambering over soot-cov-ered piles. Im sorry, my friend, butA hand appeared. Grabbed the cat. Dragged it out of sight. Agneta jumped back, bleating like a frightened sheep and clutch-ing her chest. The maid had less backbone than a tame dormouse. Hopeless.In contrast, Livias heart pounded with excitement. No won-der she felt compelled to follow the cat. Some poor soul had been scavenging and gotten trapped in the rubble, and God had led her here to conduct a rescue. Not the old gods her parents followed, but the one true God and his son, the Lord Jesus, who taught his followers to love their fellow man. The cat reappeared, marched directly to Livia, and stared up at her. Her whole body buzzed with energy. In the two years since her dear friend Placida had introduced her to Jesus and his teachings, shed never experienced her Lords direction so clearly. We must help.Tyndareus, who was also a believer in Jesus and his teachings, nodded his assent. He took a cautious step onto the rubble.Agneta grabbed his arm. No. Stop. He teetered for a moment, debris shifting under his feet. He leapt clear, his features hardening into a warriors scowl. Watch yourself, girl.She scowled up at the big slave. Why must you always en-courage her? We have no business rescuing buried strangers. You can report it to the night watch after escorting us home.Shame on you. Livias sharp tone brought both heads around. She rarely spoke in anger. Rarely needed to. Agneta whimpered. But, my lady, what will your mother say? You must be ready for this evening, andEnough. Take a look, Tyndareus.'