‘The Prefect, who is betrothed to Livia, the Emperor’s daughter‐in‐law—he is the greatest man in the Empire they say—he lives there at present. But the villa belongs to Caesar—like that one, and that, and that.’ He pointed to the elevated summits around. ‘The greatest man in the Empire,’ she murmured, with a smile; ‘and what of Caesar?’ ‘He is even now over there,’ explained Tucca, sweeping his grimy hand up toward the towering heights behind them; ‘he moves about from one place to another. To‐morrow may find him over there—as likely as not.’ She followed his pointing finger to the eastern cliff in the distance, where the white walls of the fortress peeped up against the sky. ‘And that?’ she inquired. ‘Is the villa of Jove, of which he is the fondest. It is built in with huge walls; it is full of guards and stores of provisions they say, and the sea roars a thousand feet below.’ Tucca shuddered as he recalled the threat of Zeno. ‘Full of guards, say you—do you know any of those same guards?’ ‘No, good lady; I have seen them, but I know none of them. They keep watch and ward over Caesar wherever he goes.’ ‘Are they Pretorians, think you?’ ‘Surely.’ ‘And they are lodged in yonder villa?’ ‘The bulk of them, yes.’ ‘What, up there?’ said Plautia, looking thither earnestly. Tucca nodded. ‘And the Prefect—does his guard lodge with him?’ ‘I know not, lady; it is little I know of these great people.’ Plautia remained in thought for a minute, then she said, ‘You must find me a messenger who will be trusty and secret—but no! You had better do my errands—it would be safer.’ ‘As you wish, noble lady.’ ‘Come then, we will go down—we may be seen.’ ‘It would be safer—there may be curious eyes prying,’ rejoined Tucca. CHAPTER V. Shortly before noon on the same morning Domitius Afer climbed the steep path which led to the Prefect’s house. On arriving at the villa he found that Sejanus had gone to the Emperor’s stronghold on the eastern cliffs, where the Pretorians on duty in the island were barracked. Thither he thought it worth while to follow. Coming out of the gates of the villa Jovis he met Martialis, arrayed in simple civilian costume. With the barest recognition possible they went on their way, but Afer was sufficiently interested to tell his Greek attendant to loiter behind, and watch which way the young Centurion aimed for.