Sicily, in the performance of his duties.
There he obtained an insight into the corrupt extortions of the Roman
governors. Five years later, he conducted his famous case against
Verres.

VERRES had been a follower of Sulla, and during the proscriptions had
amassed some property. Afterwards he held official positions in Greece
and Asia, where he became notorious for his greediness and cruelty. With
the money thus acquired, he had bought his election to the praetorship,
became Senator, and was sent by his colleagues to govern Sicily.
His government there may have been no worse than that of many other
proconsuls in the different provinces, but we have a fuller account of
it owing to the prosecution of Cicero, whose speeches against Verres are
preserved.

Verres was Governor of Sicily for three years. In his official position,
he was judge of all civil and criminal cases. Every suit brought
before him he gave to the party that could pay him best. Property was
confiscated on false charges, and works of art of great value were
stolen. By such a course Verres collected, it is said, property to
the value of $4,000,000. Two thirds of this he expected to spend in
silencing accusations. The rest he hoped to enjoy in peace, but Cicero's
eloquence forced him to abandon his defence and retire into exile.

It was about this time that Caesar finished his rhetorical studies
abroad, and returned home. He was elected Military Tribune as a reward
for what he had accomplished in Caria. Two years later, in 68, he was
elected Quaestor, thereby acquiring a seat in the Senate. At this time
his aunt Julia died, and, as one of her nearest relatives, he delivered
the funeral oration.

Caesar was now beginning to know Pompey, and saw that their interests
were common. The latter, although but six years older, was already a
great man and a distinguished soldier. Cornelia, Caesar's wife, died,
and he married for a second wife Pompeia, the cousin of Pompey. When
sent as Quaestor to Farther Spain, in 67, he completed the work begun by
Pompey and settled the finances of the troubled country, a task which
he found the easier as he was known to belong to the popular party, of
which Marius and Sertorius had been leaders.

CHAPTER XXVIII. TROUBLES AT ROME.--CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE.

While Pompey was absent in the East, matters at Rome were daily becoming
worse, and shaping themselves for the speedy overthrow of the Republic.
There were many who