‘To Hades!’
‘Exactly,’ rejoined the Suburan, grinning.
‘Concerning your reward, I shall require you to name a lump sum, and to promise, thereafter, to trouble me no more.’
‘That means dismissing me from your worship’s employ.’
‘I shall never lose sight of you, believe me,’ said the knight, with a cold smile.
‘I know your goodness has always been most anxious for my welfare,’ returned Cestus ironically.
‘What figure would you consider sufficient to reward you for the pangs of conscience, and the risks incurred, by ending the life of a respectable member of society?’
‘The pay would vary according to the possible amount of hue and cry raised by those belonging to the deceased,’ said Cestus cunningly. ‘For an ordinary citizen I would not demand so much as for a person of rank and importance.’
Afer smiled.
‘To what degree of boldness would five hundred sestertia inspire you?’ he asked calmly.