The fellow fairly cowered, visibly sweating and trembling, but insisted:
"I really think that you really will be glad to see this gentleman."
I perceived that some unusual enticement must have been offered the pitiful wretch to induce him to brave the terrors of the punishments with which the procurator had threatened him if he allowed any would-be visitors to reach me. It also appeared to me that the fellow was fond of me and had the best of intentions.
"Show the gentleman up," I finally said.
He had been gone but a very short time when the door opened and in came….
Tanno!
He shut the door fast and, without a word, we were clasped in a close embrace.
When our emotions quieted sufficiently I pressed Tanno into a chair and resumed mine. We gazed at each other some time before either mastered himself enough for words. Tanno spoke first, veiling his feelings beneath his habitual jocularity. He said:
"Caius, you are certainly unkillable or bear a charmed life. You have been officially certified as dead two several times. First you were butchered by the Praetorians at Ortona, then you were assassinated by a disgruntled public-slave in the Umbrian Mountains: after two demises here you are, as alive as possible. Please explain."
"I feel faint," I said, "and, illogically, both thirsty and hungry."