‘I think, with ordinary precautions, there will be not much danger. The streets of the city are, at night‐time, as a rule, dark and secret enough for a thrust or two, and an easy departure before the watch decides to interfere.’ ‘Oh, if that is all, I make no doubt but that we shall soon come to terms,’ said Cestus, with a sinister smile on his bristly lips. ‘Is it desired of me to meet by chance, or to escort some friend of my noble patron home——?’ ‘To Hades!’ ‘Exactly,’ rejoined the Suburan, grinning. ‘Concerning your reward, I shall require you to name a lump sum, and to promise, thereafter, to trouble me no more.’ ‘That means dismissing me from your worship’s employ.’ ‘I shall never lose sight of you, believe me,’ said the knight, with a cold smile. ‘I know your goodness has always been most anxious for my welfare,’ returned Cestus ironically. ‘What figure would you consider sufficient to reward you for the pangs of conscience, and the risks incurred, by ending the life of a respectable member of society?’ ‘The pay would vary according to the possible amount of hue and cry raised by those belonging to the deceased,’ said Cestus cunningly. ‘For an ordinary citizen I would not demand so much as for a person of rank and importance.’ Afer smiled. ‘To what degree of boldness would five hundred sestertia inspire you?’ he asked calmly. ‘What!’ almost yelled the ruffian. His eyes stared as if to start from his head, and his breath came in gasps, as though he had been plunged into ice‐cold water. ‘Five hu— five hundred sestertia! Patron—why—for that you might bid me tap a senator, a consul—Sejanus—Caesar himself.’ ‘Enough!’ replied Afer. ‘I am glad you consider the terms liberal; I myself am sure of it. You will not have the desperate office of harming any one of those you have mentioned.’ ‘So much the better! Patron, you are the easiest of masters.’ ‘It is a bargain then—you will be prompt, faithful, and secret?’ ‘Have I ever failed?’ ‘I cannot remember that you have; it is to your interest, as to mine, to remain so trustworthy. I have told you that before, and your common‐sense cannot but perceive it. Five hundred sestertia are not to be picked up every day for the light labour of a few hours, together with the simple task of keeping one’s mouth shut concerning the matter. You are not such a fool, I think, as to destroy a profitable business connection, Cestus.’ ‘You speak truly indeed, noble Afer—have no fear therefore. I am ready to receive your commands and instructions for the business.’ ‘The first is this,’ said the knight emphatically, ‘that from the first moment, until the affair is satisfactorily settled, you abstain from the wine‐pot.’ ‘I will swear by the aqueducts, patron.’