“Enough!” interrupted Quintus. “His hour too will come; it would be well for your safety, no doubt, that it should strike soon.” “We are not idle,” said Glauce. “My father has now found what he long hoped for in vain; a just and learned patron, whose liberality shrinks from no sacrifice. You must have heard of Cneius Afranius?” “Cneius Afranius? I know him very well, and have met him repeatedly in the house of Cornelius Cinna. He is making himself talked about....” “He has spoken in the Forum five or six times,” interrupted Thrax with eager warmth. “His success was splendid.--Ah! and what a feeling soul! What a heart overflowing with noble unselfishness. Merely for the sake of right and enthusiasm for the truth, he is indefatigable in his attacks on Stephanus, often as that cunning fox has succeeded in parrying the stroke. Twice, when Afranius was on the very point of opening his case in due form, some inscrutable power has intervened to stop him.--However, if it is true, that dropping water wears away a stone, even Stephanus must some day come to grief.” Quintus sat silent for some time; he seemed to wish to reflect at leisure on all he had heard, and no one disturbed him. “My friend,” he said at last: “I too am ready to help you in my way, as honestly as Cneius Afranius--but first tell me one thing. Is Eurymachus still in Rome?” “In the neighborhood.” “And you will not send him farther off as speedily as possible?” “It is impossible, my lord,” said the old man sadly. “Stephanus has set every means to work. Hundreds of watchmen and slave-catchers are on the alert; notices on the walls offer large sums for the apprehension of the fugitive; even appeals have been made to the Vestal virgins[276] to pronounce their ban, so that he may be spellbound within Rome. In short, discovery would be certain....” “It is so indeed, my lord,” added Diphilus. “And do you know why Stephanus is making this mighty stir? Eurymachus knows some secret of his life, some hideous crime, worse than all the rest he has ever committed. And it was for that reason, that even on the scene of his execution Eurymachus was gagged.” “And moreover,” added the old man, “in his flight that night he wounded his foot badly. He could not leave his hiding-place at present, even if he wished it.” “And what can I possibly do for you in these circumstances?” “Procure his pardon, my lord!” cried Glauce, lifting her hands imploringly. “Or a mild punishment,” added Diphilus.