ers see me, they will learn that I have
betrayed them. And some may be there who know of my part in other
enterprises. By showing proof--Jupiter! they would bring confusion or
death upon me. I must not be there, and yet--and yet I must. They
wait for the shrill voice to declare the fulness of time. Unless I be
there the king may be no wiser for his coming. I will go, but I will
not tell Herod of the long way underground to the street of tombs. I
will announce the fulness of time and quit the council before its
proclamation is made. Then the old lion may spring his trap, and who,
save Ben Joreb, will know that I ever sat with traitors. And as for
the priest, I shall warn him. I know that he is weary of Antipater and
will take a share in the new enterprise."

CHAPTER 18

It was the day before the nones of November in Rome. The emperor had
returned to his palace after opening the Ludi Plebeii. The people had
hailed him as father, forgiver, peace-maker. A softened spirit,
sweeping over the world, was come upon them. That day they had put in
his hands a petition for new laws to limit the power of men over
slaves. But in that matter he was bound to ancient custom by fetters
of his own making. Once--he was then emperor of Rome but not of his
own spirit--he had punished a slave by crucifixion for killing a pet
quail. For that act, one cannot help thinking, he must have been
harassed with regret. The sting of it tempered his elation that
November day. He was, however, pleased with the spirit of the people
and his heart was full of sympathy and good-will.

On his table were letters from the south. He lay comfortably in his
great chair and began to read them. Presently his body straightened,
the wrinkles deepened in his brow. Soon he flung the letter he had
been reading upon his table and leaned back, laughing quietly as he
remarked to himself:

"Innocent, beautiful son of Varro! He is making progress."

An attendant came near.

"Find my young Appius at once and bring him to me," said the emperor,
as he went on reading his letters.

Appius, quickly found, came with all haste to the great father of Rome.

"I have news for you," said the latter, quietly, with a glance at his
young friend. He continued to read his letters.

"News!" said Appius.

"'Tis of Vergilius--the apt and youthful Vergilius. How swift,
industrious, and capable is he! How versatile! How varied his
attainments!"

"I