'Of course not,' said he at last, half unconsciously. And then, in
sudden dread of having committed himself, he looked up fiercely at
the Jew.

'And how do I know that this is not some infernal trap of yours?
Tell me how you found out all this, or by Hercules (he had quite
forgotten his Christianity by this time)--by Hercules and the Twelve
Gods, I'll--'

'Don't use expressions unworthy of a philosopher. My source of
information was very simple and very good. He has been negotiating
a loan from the Rabbis at Carthage. They were either frightened, or
loyal, or both, and hung back. He knew--as all wise governors know
when they allow themselves time--that it is no use to bully a Jew;
slid applied to me. I never lend money--it is unphilosophical: but
I introduced him to old Miriam, who dare do business with the devil
himself; and by that move, whether he has the money or not, I cannot
tell: but this I can tell, that we have his secret--and so have you
now; and if you want more information, the old woman, who enjoys an
intrigue as much as she does Falernian, will get it you.'

'Well, you are a true friend, after all.'

'Of course I am. Now, is not this method of getting at the truth
much easier and pleasanter than setting a couple of dirty negroes to
pinch and pull me, and so making it a point of honour with me to
tell you nothing but lies? Here comes Ganymede with the wine, just
in time to calm your nerves, and fill you with the spirit of
divination .... To the goddess of good counsels, my lord. What
wine this is!'