encumbrances. Hide! Hasten!

"We commend this letter to you as a sure proof that we ourselves are to
be trusted, since, if it should fall into the hands of an informer by
the way, our lives undoubtedly would pay the forfeit. We have not much
money, but enough for the expenses of a journey to a foreign land. The
place where we will hide near Tarentum is known to you. In deep
anxiety, and not without such sacrifices to the gods and to the manes of
your noble ancestors as means permit, we will await your coming."
--RUFUS GLABRIO "Freedman of the illustrious Galienus Maximus."

Pertinax turned from the window. "The Jews have a saying," he said,
"that who keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from
trouble. Often I warned Maximus that he was too free with his speech.
He counted too much on my protection. Now it remains to be seen whether
Commodus has not proscribed me!"

Sextus and Norbanus stood together, Scylax behind them, Norbanus
whispering; plainly enough Norbanus was urging patience--discretion--
deliberate thought, whereas Sextus could hardly think at all for anger
that reddened his eyes.

"What can I do for you? What can I do?" wondered Pertinax.

Then Cornificia was on her feet.

"There is nothing--nothing you can do!" she insisted. She avoided
Galen's eyes; the old philosopher was watching her as if she were the
subject of some new experiment. "Let Commodus learn as much as that
Sextus was here in this pavilion and--"