n, and exclaimed to Antinous:

"Here we may see that even in our sordid times miracles may be wrought
by good-will, industry, and skill. Explain to me my good Pontius how you
were able to construct that enormous scaffold."

CHAPTER XII.

More pleasant hours were to follow on the amusing arrival of the Emperor
at his half-finished residence at Lochias that night. Pontius proposed
to him to inspect several well-preserved rooms, which had in the first
instance been reserved for the gentlemen of his suite; and one of
these with an open outlook on the harbor, the town, and the island
of Antirrhodus he suggested should be provisionally furnished for the
Emperor's reception. Thanks to the architect's foresight, to Mastor's
practised hand, and to the numbers of men employed in the palace who
were accustomed to all kinds of service--provision was soon made for the
night, for Hadrian and his companions. The comfortable couch which the
prefect had sent to Lochias for Pontius was carried into the Emperor's
sleeping-room, and the camp-beds for Antinous and the suite were soon
set up in the other rooms. Tables, pillows, and various household
vessels which had already been sent in from the manufactories of
Alexandria, and which stood packed in bales and cases in the large
central court of the palace were soon taken out, and so far as they were
applicable for use were carried into the hastily-arranged rooms. Even
before Hadrian, under the prefect's guidance, had reached the last room
in which restorations were being carried out, Pontius was ready with his
arrangements, and could assure the Emperor that to-night he would find
a good bed and very tolerable quarters, and that by to-morrow he should
have a really elegantly-furnished room.

"Charming, quite delightful," cried the Emperor, as he entered his room.
"One might fancy you had some industrious demons at your command. Pour
some water over my hands, Mastor, and then to supper! I am as hungry as
a beggar's clog."

"I think we shall find all you need," replied Titianus, while Hadrian
washed his hands and his bearded face.

"Have you eaten all that I sent down to Lochias to-day, my dear
Pontius?"

"Alas! we have," sighed Pontius.

"But I gave orders that a supper for five should be sent."

"It sufficed for six hungry artists," answered the architect, "if only I
could have guessed for whom the food was intended! And now what is to
be done? There are wine and bread still