answered that the leaden coffin would be ready within a few days (it
was being made at Neapolis, out of water-pipes which had served a
villa in ruins), and after that there would only be delay through
wind and weather.

'Are you greatly bent on going to Rome just now?' was the student's
next inquiry, a twinkle in his eyes as he spoke.

'By Bacchus!' answered the other, handling his goblet. 'If I saw my
way to avoid it!'

'I guessed as much. The suspicion came to me at a certain moment
this morning--a mere grain, which ever since has been growing
_tanquam favus_. I am not wont to consider myself as of much use,
but is it not just possible that, in this case, your humble kinsman
might serve you?'

'My good, my excellent, my very dear Decius!' broke from the
listener. 'But would it not be with risk to your health?'

'I would beg permission not to weigh anchor in a tempest, that's
all. The sea in its gentler moods I have never feared, and
_alcyoneum medicamen_, you know, in other words the sea-foam, has
always been recommended for freckles.'

He touched his face, which was in deed much freckle-spotted, and
Basil, whose spirits rose each moment, gave a good-natured laugh.

'One thing only,' added Decius seriously. 'Inasmuch as this charge
is a grave one, I would not undertake it without the consent of the