"The thought is a bright one," answered Flaccus; "by means of arrangements in the interior of our statue we can reach the head, and through the two small holes in the corners of the eyes press forth from a sponge a rivulet of water, if we so wish. I will then, from before the altar, announce the cause of the great Apollo's grief, and urge his votaries to renewed devotion, and to withstand the pernicious teachings of the Christians." "The temple is already well filled, and the sooner we play the--I mean, the sooner the miracle is performed the better, for delays are dangerous," said Gaius. "We might perform it at once," answered Flaccus; "but we require a boy of small size who can climb up into the head of the statue; and my own son, whom I can trust, is sick at home. The youth yonder, however, though somewhat big, might manage to climb up without much difficulty." As he spoke he looked towards Jovinian. "You can confide in him that he will not betray us?" "I am not certain on that point," answered Gaius; and calling to his nephew he desired him to swear that he would not reveal what he was about to communicate. "If lawful, I am ready to do whatever you desire," answered Jovinian. "Can it be otherwise, foolish boy, when I wish it?" exclaimed Gaius. "Know you not that I have the power to force you to do whatever I may require?" "I will, at all events, promise not to repeat whatever you may think fit to say to me," said Jovinian. "I wish you, then, simply to play off a trick upon the ignorant people collected in the temple," said Gaius. "See here: all you have to do is to climb into the head of the statue through the trap which the flamen Licinius Flaccus will show you, and to press a sponge into the hollows of the eyes till you have emptied the amphora which you will take up with you. Be not startled if you hear some deep groans close to your ears; they will be uttered by the flamens, and will serve to give more effect to the flowing of the tears." "Pardon me, but I cannot take part in such a device," answered Jovinian. "I have given my promise not to repeat what you have told me; but obey you in this matter I cannot." Gaius, whose aim was to gain the affections of his nephew, restrained his rising anger, and turning to the flamen, observed, "You must find some other boy of smaller size, for my nephew is, I suspect, too big properly to perform the task." "I am unwilling to lose this opportunity of working on the minds of the people," answered Flaccus; "I will, therefore, send for my son, or some other boy who can be trusted."