"Where I hide all secrets," said Anicius, blushing--"secrets and letters that are sacred and dear to me; where I will also hide this tablet. You shall know the spot, for you, the oldest friend of my house, must help me to complete my task of vengeance. I have written out Sutas's report of the scarcely-comprehensible conversation of the two dying men. They spoke of 'poisoning'--of 'murderous order'--of an 'accusation before the senate'--therefore our enemy must be a Roman senator--of a 'crimson crest'-of a 'black devil of a horse----'" "Et cetera, et cetera," said Cethegus, interrupting him. "Where is your hiding-place? It may be that you will have to escape in a hurry--for I strongly advise you not to trust the Empress--and perhaps you would not even be able to reach your house." "And besides," added Anicius, "it is necessary that you take up my work. I should in any case have told you of the hiding-place. It is in the cistern in the court of my house--the third brick to the right of the wheel is hollow. And you must know for another reason," he concluded gloomily. "If it is not possible to save my friends, if my own freedom is in danger--for you are right in your warning: I have long since remarked that I am followed by the spies of the Emperor or Empress--then I will quickly make a bloody end to it all. What matter if I die, if I cannot fulfil the duty which Severinus has imposed upon me? Then--it is my office to tell the Emperor every morning how the Empress has passed the night--then--I will strike the tyrant in the midst of his slaves!" "Madman!" cried Cethegus, in real terror--for he _now_ wished to keep Justinian alive and in power--"to what has remorse and a planless and dissolute life brought you? No! the son of Boëthius must not end as a murderer. If you wish to atone in blood for your inglorious past--then fight with my legions! Purify yourself in the blood of the barbarians, shed, not by the dagger of the murderer, but by the sword of the hero!" "You speak nobly, Cethegus. And will you really place _me_, untried and without fame, amongst your brave knights? How can I thank you!" "Spare your thanks until all is ended--until we meet again. Meanwhile warn the conspirators. That alone will be a proof of courage. For, as it seems you are followed, I think it a dangerous task. If you shun the danger, say so frankly." "_I_ hesitate to give the first proof of my courage! I would go and warn them, even if certain death were the consequence." He pressed the Prefect's hand, and hurried away. As soon as he was gone, Syphax brought in the tribune Piso through another door.