“A conspiracy!” cried one.
“An insult to the University,” cried another. Some called out “Draco” interrogatively; and others, of the bolder and more highly connected of the Romans, among whom was Publius Cornelius, shook their fists significantly in the direction of the Cæsareum. One thing was evident to the watchful eye of Seti—that there would be no lack of sympathetic readiness on the part of the Serapeum to act as he wished. What did he wish?
This was brought out by Cornelius, who declared that they were all of one mind to further any plan that their venerable instructor might have to propose; and moved that a committee be appointed to confer with him as to what had best be done. He also proposed that this committee should secure the co-operation of the Museum, which he had no doubt would be enthusiastically given.
“Besides,” he added, as he repeated his emphatic gesture toward the north-east, “the Museum is nearer than ourselves to the sources of this mischief and can explore them better.”
A committee was appointed—including Cornelius. These gathered about Seti. His plan was that some students should find out whether Draco and the son of Flaccus were present in the city all the last night—that others should find out whether any soldiers were then absent from their quarters, and if so to whose force they belonged—that still others should watch the gates and harbors for their return and note the time and direction of it—that still others should rummage the streets, especially in the neighborhood of the khan Rachotis, for some who had observed the party, noticed the direction they took, perhaps witnessed an embarkation. The students interested were so many, they could, by properly distributing themselves, make all these inquiries at once. No time should be lost. Let them report to him.
Feeling sure that the young men would need no further impulse, the priest left them, and, stopping at his room for the parcel which Cimon had put in his hands, proceeded to the office of Alexander’s legal adviser. This was in a wing of the extensive palace of the great banker whose affairs furnished the greater part of the business of the lawyer. The man was both a Roman and a Greek—his father being from Tusculum, and his mother from Athens. He possessed in a remarkable degree the mental characteristics of both nations—the practical and resolute character of the one, and the acuteness and subtlety of the other. To a profound knowledge of Roman law, especially as applied in the provinces, he added a familiar acquaintance with the usages of Alexandria as a business community—having lived in the city from childhood. Alexander early discovered his abilities, and by degrees made him a confidential adviser in legal matters, especially after he became a proselyte and attached himself to the Diapleuston.
Marcus Piso was not much of a man to look at—at the first look. Small, slender, somewhat stooping, no longer young—it was necessary to be with him for a time and watch his face and manner—his keen eye and protuberant brow—as he dispatched business with one and another. Then he inspired confidence both as to his ability and integrity. Then one said, “Alexander is not mistaken in his man.”
The little man did not show to advantage as he rose to receive his imposing visitor. But, what was better under the circumstances, he at once conducted Seti to an inner office and listened with all his ears, and eyes too, to a brief account of our friends, of what had just transpired, and of the measures taken for the discovery of Aleph.
“I tell you these facts,” said Seti, “to interest you as much as possible in these men whom the Alabarch and myself intend to support and befriend to the utmost of our power.”