to say a
sum for which you could buy a handsome roomy house."

Once more the blood mounted to the steward's head; for a few minutes he
could not utter a word, for his heart thumped violently; but presently
be so far controlled himself as to be able to answer. This time at any
rate, he was determined to seize Fortune by the forelock and not to be
taken advantage of, so he said:

"Five talents will not do; bid higher."

"Then let us say six."

"If you say double that we are agreed."

"I cannot put it beyond ten talents; why, for that sum you might build a
small palace."

"I stand out for twelve."

"Well, be it so, but not a sesterce more."

"I cannot bear to part with my splendid work of art," sighed Keraunus.
"But I will take your offer, and give you my Apelles."

"It is not that picture I am dealing for," replied Gabinius. "It is of
trifling value, and you may continue to enjoy the possession of it. It
is another work of art in this room that I wish to have, and which has
hitherto seemed to you scarcely worth notice. I have discovered it, and
one of my rich customers has asked me to find him just such a thing."

"I do not know what it is."

"Does everything in this room belong to you?"

"Whom else should it belong to?"

"Then you may dispose of it as you please?"

"Undoubtedly."

"Very well, then--the twelve Attic talents which I offer you are to be
paid for the picture that is under our feet."

"The mosaic! that? It belongs to the palace."

"It belongs to your residence, and that, I heard you say yourself, has
been inhabited for more than a century by your forefathers. I know the
law; it pronounces that everything which has remained in undisputed
possession in one family, for a hundred years, becomes their property."

"This mosaic belongs to the palace."

"I assert the contrary. It is an integral portion of your family
dwelling, and you may freely dispose of it."

"It belongs to the palace."

"No, and again no; you are the owner. Tomorrow morning early you shall
receive twelve Attic talents in gold, and, with the help of my son,
later in the day I will take up the picture, pack it, and when it grows
dark, carry it away. Procure a carpet to cover the empty place for the
present. As to the secrecy of the transaction--I must of course insist
on it as strongly--and more so--than yourself."

"The mosaic belongs to the palace," cried the steward, this time in a
louder voice, "Do you hear? it bel