‘Never fear; it is only when Cestus is idle that he amuses himself in that way. Give him work, and work to some purpose, like this, and his head remains clear as water—and when your honour lays the plan there is no more to be added.’
‘Engage your comrades to-day. To-morrow I shall go to Tibur—the day after to-morrow meet me at the Sublician Bridge at nightfall.’
‘But I shall see you to-night, as you said?’
‘Yes; and on the evening of the day after to-morrow I will be at the Sublician Bridge. It will involve much riding, but I can be nigh you and yet return to Tivoli before morning breaks.’
Cestus held up his hands in affected admiration.
‘You are inspired, patron! But hold; how if the old man will not come forth with me? What then comes of all this fine scheme?’
‘Nothing,’ replied Afer calmly. ‘We shall have to wait and devise again.’
‘I care not for this complicated notion. I prefer to have not so many cooks to the broth. There is nothing so sure, and so easy, as a little dust of a certain kind in his wine or meat.’
The knight shook his head.
‘It is too effective, my Cestus, and too common. It would not fail to be talked about. No; our rough footpads leave the least suspicion.’