The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-03-29

L
Suddenly two men approached them along
two different gravel walks in the garden, one
dressed as slave, the other in the uniform of
decurion, a legionary officer, slightly more
important than o modern sergeant of the line
in the English army.
The slave had one of the worst countenances
and the decurion one of the most honest, that
Paulus in his very limited or Thellus in his
immense experience had ever beheh. Paulus
recognized the slave at once it was that Lyg-
dus who had endeavored to bring him to the
ground by side sweep of Cneias Piso's sword
| which this man, as the reader will remember,
was carrying at the time.
The decurion gave Paulus a letter, directed
in the same handwriting, folded in the same
style, and it's silk thread sealed with the same
device of frog, as certain communication
which he had once before received.
| The moon shone high, and calm was the
night that it proved easy to read the bold
characters.
| They ran thus:
"Velleius Paterculus, military tribune, sal
utes Paulus Lepidus Emilius. Renounce this
absurd engagement which cannot concern you.
1t is yet possible, but will be too late to.mor-
row, to plead ignorance of what you were un-
dertaking. Leave wretched slaves to their
| fate VALE"
Paulus, after reading this note, begged the
decurion to wait, and, turning to Lygdus, asked
his business.
The slave stated his name, and said he was
appointed to receive, dating from the day after
the next, the provender which he understood
Paulus to be DESTROYS of furnishing for the use
of the Sejan horse.
"Has Tiberius Cesar appointed YOU"
"Sir, Yes"
"Of course, then, You are used to horsesf 2"
Sir, have always belonged to the stable"
said Lygdus.
"But," pursued Paulus, Fam then forbid
den to enter the stable myself, and make ac-
| quaintance with the horse have to breakw
"Sir, have ORDERS" answered this Lygdus
who, as / think 1 have already mentioned,
was destined, as the instrument of Cneius Piso
and Plancina, some few years later, to be the
cruel assassin of Germanicus-" have orders
always to admit you, and always to watch you"
I" You to watch a Roman knight !"
&c For that matter, most honored sir" an
swered Lygdus, "the rank Of the person
watched does not altar the eyes of the watcher.
I could watch q Roman senator, or even a
Roman Caesar, if necessary"
81 will be security You could" said Thellus,
whose great and almost diaphanous nostrils
quivered as he spoke"
Lygdus, by way of answer, withdrew pace.
The decurion, meanwhile, had taken off his
helmet, and the starry heavens were not more
clear than his indignant, simple countenance.
"It is WELL" said Paulus. 81 will ask for
you at Formia. Go now"
Lygdus therefore went away.
"Decurion," said Paulus, "say to the es-
teemed Velleius Paterculus that am very
grateful to him; but what must be, must be-"
And what is that, noble sir Z" answered the
decurion, ain case my commanding officer
should ask me for explanationf"
"That have given my word advertently
and will keep it faithfully" replied Paulus.
"Is this, noble sir," said the decurion'
" what you mean by that schich must BE-"
Have I, them" answered Paulus, "said any
thing obscure OF eonfusedf"
"Only something unusual, excellent sir,n
said the decurion "but not any thing con-
fused or obscure. Permit me to add, that the
whole camp knows the circumstances of this
miserable undertaking, and wishes you well ;
and feel in my single bosom the good wishes
of the whole camp for your success"
"What is your name, brave decurion Z"
"Longinus."
"Well," replied Paulus, eff 1 survive the
struggle with this creature, mean to join the
expedition of Germanicus Caesar, and 1 will
have my eye upon you. 1 should like to bs
your informant that you were promoted to 6
higher rank, and to call you the Centurion
| Longines."
Tears were standing in the Roman decurion't
| eyes as he bowed to take leave.
Thellus and Paulus, being now left agar
alone, resumed their walk mp and down the
laurel alley.
| ~ am not so conversant with horses" oh
served Thellus, as 1 could for your sake al
present wish to be. But all animals, notice
are more quiet tuhcn blinded"
At this moment the branches of a croa wall
rustled, and q stately figure in the Greel
cloak, approached them.
care you not Nmilius, the nephew of tn,
triumvir 2" asked the stranger.
eyes," replied Paulus.