l be a few moments
of confusion during which we will go into action and the guards will
die. At the same time others of our party will take the palace and kill
every man, woman, and child adherent to Nero."

"Very nice--in theory." The Bithynian was frankly skeptical. "But just
how are we going to get there? A few gladiators--such champions as
Patroclus of Thrace--are at times allowed to do pretty much as they
please in their free time, and hence could possibly be on hand to take
part in such a brawl, but most of us will be under lock and guard."

"That too, has been arranged. Our allies near the throne and certain
other nobles and citizens of Rome, who have been winning large sums by
our victories, have prevailed upon our masters to give a grand banquet
to _all_ gladiators tomorrow night, immediately following the mass
crucifixion. It is going to be held in the Claudian Grove, just across
from Caesar's Gardens."

"Ah!" Livius breathed deep; his eyes flashed. "By Baal and Bacchus! By
the round, high breasts of Isis! For the first time in years I begin to
live! Our masters die first, then and there ... but hold--weapons?"

"Will be provided. Bystanders will have them, and armor and shields,
under their cloaks. Our owners first, yes; and then the Praetorians. But
note, Livius, that Tigellinus, the Commander of the Guard, is mine--mine
alone. I, personally, am going to cut his heart out."

"Granted. I heard that he had your wife for a time. But you seem quite
confident that you will still be alive tomorrow night. By Baal and
Ishtar, I wish I could feel so! With something to live for at last, I
can feel my guts turning to water--I can hear Charon's oars. Like as
not, now, some toe-dancing stripling of a retiarius will entangle me in
his net this very afternoon, and no mercy signal has been or will be
given this day. Such is the crowd's temper, from Caesar down, that even
you will get 'Pollice verso' if you fall."

"True enough. But you had better get over that feeling, if you want to
live. As for me, I'm safe enough. I have made a vow to Jupiter, and he
who has protected me so long will not desert me now. Any man or any
thing who faces me during these games, dies."

"I hope so, sin ... but listen! The horns ... and someone is coming!"

The door behind them swung open. A lanista, or master of gladiators,
laden with arms and armor, entered. The door swung to and was locked
from the outside. The visitor was obviously e