This is the fact then: I discovered how he helped Sextus, son of
Maximus, to avoid execution by a ruse, making believe to be killed.
Pertinax was also privy to the execution of an unknown thief in place of
Norbanus, a friend of Sextus, also implicated in conspiracy. Pertinax
has been secretly negotiating with Sextus ever since. Sextus now calls
himself Maternus and is notorious as a highwayman."

"What else do you know about Maternus?" Marcia inquired. There was a
trace at last of sharpness in her voice. A hint conveyed itself that
she could summon the praetorians if he did not answer swiftly.

"He plots against Caesar."

"You know too little or too much!" said Marcia. "What else?"

He closed his lips tight. "I know nothing else."

"Have you had any dealings with Sextus?"

"Never."

He was shifting now from one foot to the other, hardly noticeably, but
enough to make Marcia smile. "Shall we hear what Sextus has to say to
that?" asked Cornificia, so confidently that there was no doubt Marcia
had given her the signal.

Marcia moved her melting, lazy, laughing eyes and Cornificia clapped her
hands. A slave came.

"Bring the astrologer."