time at the revelry that was warming up into an orgy. They were
dancing in rings under the moon, their shadowy figures rendered weird by
smoky torchlight. Cornificia at last broke on his reverie:

"You wish to join them, Pertinax? That would dignify even our Roman
Hercules--to say nothing of you!"

He shrugged his shoulders, but his eyes were glittering.

"If Marcia could govern Commodus as you rule me, he would be safer on
the throne!" he answered, coming to sit upright on the couch beside her.
It was evident that he intended that speech to release all tongues; he
looked from face to face expectantly, but no one spoke until Cornificia
urged him to protect himself against the night breeze. He threw a
purple-bordered cloak over his shoulders. It became him; he looked so
official in it, and majestic, that even Sextus--rebel that he was
against all modern trumpery--forebore to break the silence. It was
Galen who spoke next:

"Pertinax, if you might choose an emperor, whom would you nominate?
Remember: He must be a soldier, used to the stench of marching legions.
None could govern Rome whose nose goes up in the air at the smell of
sweat and garlic."

There was a murmur of approval. Cornificia stroked the long, strong
fingers of the man she idolized. Sextus gave rein to his impulse then,
brushing aside Norbanus' hand that warned him to bide his time:

"Many more than I," he said, "are ready to throw in our lot with you,
Pertinax--aye, unto death! You would restore Rome's honor. I believe my
father could persuade a hundred noblemen to take your part, if you would
lead. I can answer for five or six men of wealth and influence, not
reckoning a friend or two who--"

"Why talk foolishness!" said Pertinax. "The legions will elect
Commodus' successor. They will sell Rome to the highest bidder,
probably; and though they like me as a soldier they dislike my
discipline. I am the governor of Rome and still alive in spite of it
because even Commodus' informers know it would be silly to accuse me of
intrigue. Not even Commodus would listen to such talk. I lead the gay
life, for my own life's sake. All know me as a roisterer. I am said to
have no ambition other than to live life sensuously."

Galen laughed.

"That may deceive Commodus," he said. "The thoughtful Romans know you
as a frugal governor, who stamped out plague and--"

"You did that," said Pertinax.

"Who enabled me?"

"It was a simple thing