“Oh! do not be alarmed. Clodianus discovered it all in good time. And to make sure, he is bringing troops out of the provinces--out of Gallia Lugdunensis I rather fancy--down into the peninsula. If it comes to the worst, they will give the rebels a lesson. But, as you see, the feast is the only thing in men’s minds. If they had the remotest idea even....” “Well, by Cypris! I do not know what I should do. Only think of it, a conflagration like that under Nero perhaps! The whole season would be ruined.” “You silly child!” laughed Lycoris. “But what is the matter again, Philemon? Every minute we come to a stand-still.” “Mistress,” said the bearer, “the city-watch have got a man in charge, and the people are crowding round them and have stopped the way.” Lycoris leaned as far as she could out of the litter. To the left, not far from the entrance to the baths of Titus, two stalwart officials had rushed at a pale young man, who defended himself desperately at first, but was overpowered after a short struggle. “I surely know that face,” said Lycoris. “And yet I cannot be sure.... Philemon, find out what that man has done to be arrested.” The bearer sent one of the slaves, who went in front of the litter, across to the spot where the two men-at-arms were now binding their prisoner’s hands behind his back. In a few minutes the messenger returned. “It is Eurymachus, the slave of Stephanus, who was hunted for through all Latium only last autumn.” “To be sure, it is he!” cried Lycoris. “Do you remember, Leaina? It was just before you left Rome. Of course; now I recognize his pale, determined face. Only he has cut off his beard, which made him look even paler then. My dear, do you know I shudder when I think of that scene! Since Quintus has been condemned to the beasts, I have grown quite nervous. That Eurymachus was his evil genius. Only see how desperately he looks about him--and then he was perfectly calm, even when he was led to the foot of the cross.” “It would seem, that the last few months had taken down his spirit a little.” “No, no--he must have some other reason, that you may depend upon. Besides--as he certainly was involved in this business of Quintus--oh! perhaps there may be some new aspect of the question! He ought to be heard.--Philemon, ask those men to come this way, to me.” The two men, extremely astonished, came up to the splendid litter, dragging their prisoner between them. “Listen,” said Lycoris, in condescending tones. “You have caught a prize this time. I know the fellow, and I know that Stephanus has set a great reward on his head. Now, if you wish to find special favor in his master’s eyes, just do as I advise you. Take my tablets, on which I will write two lines, and carry them instantly, with your prisoner, to Stephanus. You will still find him at home--for he is very busy, and will not come to the Arena before noon. Will you do as I desire you?”