e
all, let me see the ringleaders in chains; the man who nailed up the
rope, and the caricaturists. We must have them, to serve as an example to
the others."

Aristides thought that the moment had now come for displaying his
severity, and he respectfully but decidedly represented to Caesar that he
would advise that the gem-cutter and his son should be kept in custody.
They were well-known persons, and too great clemency would only aggravate
the virulence of audacious tongues. The painter was free, and if his
relatives were also let out of prison, there was nothing to prevent their
going off to the other end of the world. Alexandria was a seaport, and a
ship would carry off the criminals before a man could turn round.

At this the emperor wrathfully asked him whether his opinion had been
invited; and the cunning Egyptian said to himself that Caracalla was
anxious to spare the father and his sons for the daughter's sake. And yet
Caesar would surely wish to keep them in safety, to have some hold over
the girl; so he lied with a bold face, affirming that, in obedience to
the law of the land, he had removed Heron and Philip, at any rate for the
moment, beyond the reach of Caesar's mercy. They had in the course of the
night been placed on board a galley and were now on the way to Sardinia.
But a swift vessel should presently be sent to overtake it and bring them
back.

And the informer was right, for Caesar's countenance brightened. He did,
indeed, blame the Egyptian's overhasty action; but he gave no orders for
following up the galley.

Then, after reflecting for a short time, he said:

"I do not find in either of you what I require; but at a pinch we are
fain to eat moldy bread, so I must need choose between you two. The one
who first brings me that clay figure, and the man who modeled it, in
chains and bonds, shall be appointed chief of the night-watch."

Meanwhile Alexander had entered the room. As soon as Caracalla saw him,
he beckoned to him, and the artist informed him that he had made good use
of his time and had much to communicate. Then he humbly inquired as to
the clay figure of which Caesar was speaking, and Caracalla referred him
to Zminis. The Egyptian repeated what the Magian had told him.

Alexander listened calmly; but when Zminis ceased speaking, the artist
took a deep breath, drew himself up, and pointing a contemptuous finger
at the spy, as if his presence poisoned the air, he said: "It is that
fel