[368] CISIUM. Such two-wheeled cabriolets were principally used when the greatest speed was desired. (See Cic., _Rosc.: cisiis pervolavit_) [369] LOADED WITH PROVISIONS. Aristocratic Romans, even on short journeys, carried a large quantity of baggage, principally table furniture and provisions, for the taverns so often mentioned were intended exclusively for the lower classes. [370] FICANA..A small town half-way between Ostia and Rome. [371] THESSALIAN HAT. This was worn principally in travelling. Thessalia was the name given to the eastern part of northern Greece. [372] UTICA. A city on the coast of the province of Africa, north of Tunis. [373] NICOPOLIS. A city of Epirus, at the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf, opposite Actium. [374] PANDATARIA. An island in the Tyrrhenian sea, opposite to the Gulf of Gaeta. [375] SINUESSA. A city on the Gulf of Gaeta. [376] THE WATER-CLOCK (_clepsydra_) served as a measure of time, especially in affairs connected with the administration of justice. A water-clock usually ran about twenty minutes. CHAPTER XXII. “Do not be uneasy, Quintus,” Aurelius whispered, as Cneius Afranius dismounted and threw the bridle to his slave. “By all the gods, this man is as trustworthy as you and I are! It would be perfect madness, not to give him an opportunity for an interview with Eurymachus. His fight with Stephanus is in the interest of common humanity, and particularly in that of our protégé.” “It is all the same; I do not like the business at all.” “Then, so far as you personally are concerned, you can keep altogether aloof.” Quintus looked enquiringly at him. “Why are you so surprised?” Aurelius continued. “It seems to me a very simple matter. I will put myself forward as his protector, and you can play the part of entire innocence. You need not frown, as if I had suggested some cowardly action; if the whole matter ever comes to be known, it will make wonderfully little difference, whether Afranius is in possession of the whole or only of half the truth. You will save yourself nothing but immediate embarrassment. I, for my part, am so perfectly intimate with Afranius, so completely his friend....” “If you suppose....” “Only explain the case to your slave, Blepyrus. He must not be implicated. Your best way to avoid difficulties will be not to come on board. I could not even have invited you to come on with me, if I had not felt it a duty to inform you of my intentions.” Quintus nodded. “Very good,” he said thoughtfully. “Then tell our friend, Eurymachus, not to mention my name. I, meanwhile, will part from Afranius as though I had business to attend to, and I will wait for you on shore. How long will you remain on board?” “Twenty minutes. Afranius must get through his examination as quickly as possible.”