“Later he was transferred to the office of Sejanus,” continued Gyges. “He carried messages for thy master.” “But that means nothing,” said Macro, impatiently. “Wait thou a moment,” returned Gyges. “Hear my story. One day he carried a letter from Livilla to Sejanus, and read the letter--I know not why. That same night he was thrown from the roof of the barracks. He was murdered!” “Gannon murdered? ’Tis impossible!” exclaimed Macro. “Nay, O Macro; ’tis too true! The poor boy wrote on a piece of cloth these words, ‘Have done wrong; read a letter from L to S about Lygdus.’ The piece of cloth he sewed to the under side of his tunic. These words were the last he ever sent to his family. The L and S, my Macro, stand for Livilla and Sejanus.” “But there is no proof in this,” objected Macro. “Why were Alcmaeon and Hera arrested the following day?” asked Gyges, significantly. “I know not,” was the reply. “Why was Psyche imprisoned?” “I know not that, either.” “Why have I been sought?” persisted Gyges. “Is there not a reason to suspect that a great crime has been committed, when such innocent people are hunted and hurried to prison? Listen to what follows. Thou knowest that Lygdus is one of the greatest villains in Rome. Why should his name be associated in a letter between Livilla and Sejanus? I was with Psyche when she was arrested. We were at Alcmaeon’s house. We entered and saw lying upon the floor Gannon’s tunic. By chance we read the words I have told thee. I went to the camp with Psyche and warned her not to acknowledge having seen the writing. After I left her I went to the house of Lygdus. He was not there. I then went to the palace of Drusus and asked the gate-keeper if Lygdus had entered. I learned that the eunuch had but that morning entered the employ of Livilla. Mark thou, _Livilla_--not Drusus. While I was talking to the gate-keeper, there were hurried calls for litters. I retreated, and watched the people as they came out in wild disorder. It was said that Drusus had died suddenly. Filled with the fear of my convictions, I waited a little longer. Sejanus appeared. He entered, and a short time after came out with Lygdus. The eunuch remained close to the gate. That is my story. The writing on Gannon’s tunic is the clue to it all.” “Ye gods! can it be true?” exclaimed Macro. “Canst thou doubt it?” asked Gyges. “Nay; I can believe anything about Sejanus. But why hast thou kept silence so long, Gyges?” “To whom could I tell this story and be believed but to thee, Macro? As soon as I heard of thy promotion, I communicated with thee.” “By Hercules, O Gyges! It may be too late!” exclaimed Macro. “What dost thou mean?” “Ah! Now do I begin to understand clearly the plans of Sejanus. By the gods, O Gyges! _He is the emperor!_ He has already strangled Nero. Agrippina and Drusus are in prison. Verily do I believe that Tiberius himself is a prisoner at Capri!” “Ye gods! Has the power of Sejanus become so great? But where is Livia?”