the bravest of men, and knew, moreover, something of the circumstances
under which he was captured. But, however willing he might be to do so,
he was unable for public reasons to disregard the fact that he had been
duly convicted by a court-martial, under the Prince Domitian, of having
broken the command of his general and suffered himself to be taken
prisoner alive. To do so would be to proclaim himself, Titus, unjust,
who had caused others to suffer for this same offence, and to offer
insult to the prince, his brother, who in the exercise of his discretion
as commander in his absence, had thought fit to order the trial. Still,
his punishment should be of the lightest possible. He commanded that on
leaving his prison Marcus should go straight to his own house by
night, so that there might be no public talk or demonstration among his
friends, and there make such arrangement of his affairs as seemed good
to him. Further, he commanded that within ten days he should leave
Italy, to dwell or travel abroad for a period of three years, unless
the time should be shortened by some special decree. After the lapse
of these three years he would be free to return to Rome. This was his
judgment and it could not be altered.

As it chanced, it was the chamberlain Saturius who first communicated
the Imperial decree to Marcus. Hurrying straight from the palace to the
prison he was admitted into the prisoner's chamber.

"Well," said Marcus, looking up, "what evil tidings have you now?"

"None, none," answered Saturius. "I have very good tidings, and that is
why I run so fast. You are only banished for three years, thanks to my
secret efforts," and he smiled craftily. "Even your property is left to
you, a fact which will, I trust, enable you to reward your friends for
their labours on your behalf."

"Tell me all," and the rogue obeyed, while Marcus listened with a face
of stone.

"Why did Titus decide thus?" he asked when it was finished. "Speak
frankly, man, if you wish for a reward."

"Because, noble Marcus, Domitian had been with him beforehand and told
him that if he reversed his public judgment it would be a cause of open
quarrel between them. This, Caesar, who fears his brother, does not seek.
That is why he would not see you, lest his love for his friend should
overcome his reason."

"So the prince is still my enemy?"

"Yes, and more bitter than before, since he cannot find the
Pearl-Maiden, and is sure that you have spir