"My lord hath not questioned me. To no other am I accountable," said Nicanor.
Marius grunted scornfully.
"You fool! Do you think your silence can save you? I'll have the story from Lady Varia; how may she withhold it? Her own lips shall seal your guilt, as already they have convicted you."
This was true. Nicanor knew it, but he did not flinch. All that was left to him was to die game, and this he knew also.
Marius all at once wearied of his examination.
"Be off with you!" he ordered insolently. "I'll have you cringing yet before I am through with you."
Nicanor turned on his heel, with no obeisance such as a slave should make, and strode out of the room. Marius gave a short, angry laugh.
"The brute will not whine! By all the Furies, he's worth the breaking. Now, methinks, I have my scornful lady where I want her—and my lord as well. This slave may be a weapon worth the having, since my foot is on his neck also. We shall soon see!"
IV