"Dost thou know this man?" he asked, indicating Agrippa.
"I do, lord," Marsyas answered, turning his somber eyes on the legate.
"He owes three hundred thousand drachmæ to Cæsar; he says that thou canst help him pay it; is it so?"
"It is, lord."
Agrippa's eyes were perfectly steady; it would not do to show amazement now.
"How?" was the next demand flung at the Essene.
"I can place him in the way of certain wealth," was the assured reply.
"How?"
"The noble Roman's pardon, but there are certain things an Essene may not divulge."
Agrippa's well-bred brows lifted. Was this evader and collected schemer the innocent Essene he had met on the slopes of Olivet the previous evening?