“Ay, my boy,” said the emperor, contemptuously, “the rough fishermen can out-pull the lazy sailors who man our vessels. Why does my captain hesitate to launch into the waters when others dare brave them? Bah! He is a child, a babe! Truly, he shall be punished! Verily must I wait the morrow for news from Rome? What ho!” he yelled, calling a soldier. “Signal to yonder peak that some one must attempt to bring me my letters! Ye gods! We are laughed at by four ordinary fishermen!” “There is a fifth man!” said the little Tiberius. “What is he doing?” asked the emperor. “He appears to be bailing out the boat,” replied the little prince Tiberius. “By Neptune! They are swamping!” exclaimed Caligula, as a huge wave struck the boat. “Ay, they have stopped rowing!” shouted the Prince Tiberius, in a tone of fright. “Now they are all bailing!” added Caligula, excited at the brave fight the men were making. “They are beginning to row again!” cried the young Tiberius. “The boat is once more on its way!” gayly shouted Caligula. “Of a truth, their bravery deserves to be rewarded,” said Tiberius. “Who can be so anxious to reach Capri that they should tempt Fate by such a venture? Here, lad, carry my laurel wreath below. The storm has passed, and these leaves have once again saved my life.” Caligula hastened below with the wreath, and was soon again watching the struggles of the sailors. A signal was made from the mainland that no one could be found to venture upon the sea at such a time. “Ye infernal deities, drag the wretches to the realms of Pluto!” shouted Tiberius, enraged. “The captain shall not only be beaten, but he shall die.” “Look, they are near the land!” said the Prince Tiberius, still excitedly watching the boat with its five brave occupants. “Ah, at last they are saved!” cried Caligula, as the boat entered the waters on the lee side of the island. The spectators of this heroic struggle descended from the tower and walked around the garden of the villa, looking at the destruction caused by the terrific storm. Some time after, while they were thus occupied, a soldier approached the emperor and said, “A messenger from Rome craves admittance.” “Ha! The boat, then, brings tidings from Rome! The news must be urgent!” he exclaimed. “Has the messenger been searched?” he asked, turning to the soldier. “Ay, my lord; he is the bearer of a letter,” replied the man. “Send him to me,” commanded Tiberius. Drenched to the skin, the young messenger presented himself before the emperor. He handed him a letter, which he had succeeded in preserving from the fury of the elements. “’Tis from Antonia,” said Tiberius, as he looked at the seal. “Ay, my lord,” replied the messenger. “Follow me,” ordered Tiberius, as he led the way into the villa. “What were thy orders?” he inquired, when they had reached the office. “To rest neither day nor night until the letter was in thy hands,” replied the messenger.