this storm, Commodus? And there are guards on duty."

"Close them, I say! Who trusts the guards! Did they guard the tunnel?
I will rid Rome of all Christians tomorrow! Aye, and of many another
reptile! They have robbed me of my fun in the arena--I will find
another way to interest myself! Now bring me a fresh lamp in here, and
set the tablets by the bed."

She came out, shutting the door behind her, then stood listening. She
did not tremble. Her wrist was red where Commodus had held it.

"How long?" she whispered, looking at Galen.

"Only a very little time," he answered. "How much did you drink?"

She put her hand to her stomach, as if pain had stabbed her.

"Drink pure wine," said Galen. "Swiftly. Drink a lot of it."

She went to the amphora. Before she could reach it there came a roar
like a furious beast's from the bedroom.

"I am poisoned! Marcia! Marcia! My belly burns! I am on fire inside!
I faint! Marcia!--Marcia!" Then groans and a great creaking of the
bed.

Marcia--she was trembling now--drank wine, and Pertinax began to pace
the floor.

"You, Galen, you had better go in to him," said Marcia.

"If I do go, I must heal him," Galen answered.

The groans in the bedroom ceased. The shouts began again--terrific
imprecations--curses hurled at Marcia--the struggles of a strong man in
the throes of cramp--and, at last, the sound of vomiting.

"If he vomits he will not die!" Marcia exclaimed. Galen nodded. He
appeared immensely satisfied--expectant.

"Galen, have you--will that poison kill him?" Marcia demanded.

"No," said Galen. "Pertinax must kill him. I promised I would do my
best for Pertinax. Behold your opportunity!"

Pertinax strode toward him, clutching at a dagger underneath his tunic.

"Kill me if you wish," said Galen, "but if you have any resolution you
had better do first what you wanted me to do. And you will need me
afterward."

Commodus was vomiting and in the pauses roaring like a mad beast. Marcia
seized Pertinax by the arm. "I have done my part," she said. "Now
nerve yourself! Go in now and finish it!"

"He may die yet. Let us wait and see," said Pertinax.

A howl rising to a scream--terror and anger mingled--came from the
bedroom; then again the noise of vomiting and the creaking of the bed
as Commodus writhed in the spasms of cramp.

"He will feel better presently," said Galen.

"If so, you die first! You have betrayed us all!" Pertinax shoo