"Then there came forward Blaesus Agellus, the best horse-master about Reate. He had watched till he thought he knew all the young stallion's tricks. No kicking, rearing or bucking could unseat him and the beast tried several unusual and bizarre contortions. Blaesus stuck on. Then the horse-dealer seemed to give a signal, as the horse cantered tamely round the ring. "Instantly the horse, without any motion which gave warning of what he was about to do, threw himself sideways flat on the ground. "Blaesus was stunned and his right leg badly bruised, though not broken. "The owner gloried in his treasure and boasted of his control over the horse, even at a distance. "Then Hedulio came forward. The crowd was visibly amazed to see a young nobleman put himself on a level with the commonality. But they all knew Hedulio's affable ways and there were no hoots or jeers. "Hedulio examined the horse carefully, fetlocks, hoofs, mouth and all. Then he gentled and patted it. When he vaulted into the saddle, the brute did a little rearing, kicking and bucking, but soon quieted. "Hedulio trotted him round the ring, calling to the owner: "I dare you to try all your signals.' "The owner seemed to try, at first far back in the crowd, so confident was he of his control of the horse, then nearer, then standing in the front row of spectators. "The horse remained quiet. "So Hedulio rode him home and all at the villa acclaimed the horse a great prize. "The marvel was that he was only a two-year-old, as all experts agreed. I have seen many trick horses, but seldom a good trick horse under eight years old and never a well-trained trick horse under four years old. This was barely two." "Is he still in your stables?" Tanno asked. "Let Agathemer finish his tale," I replied. "Two mornings afterward," Agathemer summed up, "we found the stable was broken into and the young stallion gone. No other horse had been stolen." "Just what might have been expected," said Tanno, "and now, as king of the revels, I pronounce this symposium at an end. I mean to be up by dawn and to get Hedulio up soon after I am awake. I mean to start back for Rome with him as soon after dawn as I can arrange. You other gentlemen can sleep as late as you like, of course." "I'm going with you," Hirnio cut in. "I came prepared, with my servant and led-mule loaded with my outfit. I'm to be up as soon as you two." "Let's all turn in," Tanno proposed. Mallius Vulso and Neponius Pomplio, who lived nearest me, declared their intention of riding home in the moon-light. The others discussed whether they should also go home or sleep in the rooms ready for them. I urged them to stay, but finally, they all decided to ride home. Agathemer went to give orders for their horses to be brought round. "By the way, Caius," Tanno asked, "how are you going to travel?" "On horseback," I replied.