Seti cut short the ceremonial. Would the governor be good enough to say whether he had given an order for the arrest of a regularly enrolled member of the University, an inmate of the Serapeum, and a particular friend of himself and the Alabarch Alexander?
Flaccus appeared to consult his memory. He did not remember to have given any such order.
“An order to arrest one Aleph, the Chaldean, as a disturber of the public peace and a suspected enemy of the emperor?” suggested Seti.
No, he did not think that he could have given such an order.
“An order executed last evening by a company of Roman soldiers?” continued the priest in the same icy tone.
“Certainly not.”
“I am glad to hear it, and to have your authority for denying the report that is getting abroad. It may also be for your interest to deny it personally as you have opportunity; for the young man in question is a great favorite, not only with the Alabarch and myself, but also with the young men in the University, who represent the noblest Roman families and a great interest with the emperor and the Cæsar.”
“I think,” said Flaccus, with a not very successful attempt at an arch look, “that I know of somebody who is likely to have more interest with Germanicus than any of them.”
“However that may be,” said Seti emphatically, “it is certain that the young man will have such justice as our best efforts can secure.”
“What can I do?” said the Roman uneasily.