cto--never mind what he was doing; that is
another story altogether--and he gave me an insight into a number of
useful secrets. The point is, that particular slave takes care not to
run errands nowadays without informing me. There is not much that
Marcia does that I don't know about." Livius' eyes suggested gimlets
boring holes into Pertinax's face. Not a change of the other's
expression escaped him. Pertinax covered his mouth with his hand,
pretending to yawn. He slapped his thighs to suggest that his
involuntary shudder was due to having sat too long. But he did not
deceive Livius. "It is known to me," said Livius, "that you and Marcia
are in each other's confidence."

"That makes me doubt your other information," Pertinax retorted. "No man
can jump to such a ridiculous conclusion and call it knowledge without
making me doubt him on all points. You bore me, Livius. I have
important business waiting; I must make haste into the sweating room
and get that over with."

But Livius' sharp, nervous laugh arrested him.

"Not yet, friend Pertinax! Let Rome wait! Rome's affairs will outlive
both of us. I suspect you intend to tell Marcia to have my name
included in the next proscription list! But I am not quite such a
simpleton as that. Sit down and listen. I have proof that you plotted
with the governor of Antioch to have an unknown criminal executed in
place of a certain Norbanus, who escaped with your connivance and has
since become a follower of the highwayman Maternus. That involves you
rather seriously, doesn't it! You see, I made sure of my facts before
approaching you. And now--admit that I approached you tactfully! Come,
Pertinax, I made no threats until you let me see I was in danger. I
admire you. I regard you as a brave and an honorable Roman. I propose
that you and I shall understand each other. You must take me into
confidence, or I must take steps to protect myself."

There was a long pause while a group of men and women came and chattered
near by, laughing while one of the men tried to win a wager by climbing
a marble pillar. Pertinax frowned. Livius did his best to look
dependable and friendly, but his eyes were not those of a boon
companion.

"You are incapable of loyalty to any one except yourself," said Pertinax
at last. "What pledge do you propose to offer me?"

"A white bull to Jupiter Capitolinus! I am willing to go with you to
the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, and to