“They are well!” he called to Gyges at a distance. “Didst thou see Macro?” he cried, as the horse and rider approached. “Ay, and right glad was he, O master, to hear from thee,” said Aldo, as he sprang to the ground. “What message did he send by thee?” asked Gyges, eagerly. “He left me for some time. When he returned, he said only these three words, ‘They are well.’” “And Nana? Didst thou see her?” “Ay, my master. I told her what Macro had said and also that thou art safe. She cried with joy.” “Good heart!” said Gyges, smiling at the thought of Nana’s emotion. “Didst thou see any one else?” “Nay, master. I longed to see the horses at the stable, but I dared not go.” Gyges became as happy as a child when he heard that Psyche was safe and well. Each month he sent Aldo to Rome with reports to Nana and with inquiries to Macro. He was thus informed of the emperor’s departure from Rome and of Psyche’s removal to Pandataria. The last visit of Aldo brought news that startled Gyges. Macro had been appointed sub-prefect of the Praetorians. This position placed the soldier second only to Sejanus. Gyges rejoiced at the promotion of his friend, and believed that now some means could be arranged whereby he could communicate with Psyche. However, the knowledge of the crime of Sejanus still burdened the mind of the charioteer. He felt that he must tell some one the horrible secret. “Why should I not see Macro and tell him?” he reasoned with himself. “If the emperor could but learn through Macro that Drusus was murdered, the soldier would receive still higher honors. I will write Macro and try to appoint a place of meeting. Ah!” he said to himself, “perhaps the freedom of Psyche may thus be secured!” He wrote a letter and sent it to Rome by Aldo. Six days passed; seven; then eight; and Aldo did not return. Vague feelings of alarm took possession of Gyges. He could not believe that Aldo had been arrested, but he was tormented by doubts and fears. On the ninth day the lad returned, happy and smiling as ever. “By Mercury, Aldo! Thou hast given me great fright!” “The fault was not mine, my master. Macro was out of the city.” “And thou didst await his return?” “Ay, my master.” “Thou art a good lad, Aldo. Thou hast truly earned thy freedom.” “I do not seek to be free, my master. I wish to live always with thee.” “But where is Macro’s reply?” “He wrote nothing. He read thy letter carefully; then said, ‘Kalends--Tusculum--house of Junius--night.’” “That is three days hence. Well do I know the honest Junius. Where didst thou stay while in Rome?” “In thy new home, my master.” “Nana is still well?” “Ay, well, and anxious to see thee.” Gyges shook his head sadly. “She may wait long,” he said. “This night, my boy, I start for Tusculum.” “Am I to go with thee?” was Aldo’s eager question. “Nay, my lad. Thou wilt remain here with the horses.”