"I had not the indorsement of this young Essenic doctor to validate my note, O Vitellius," the Herod responded with equanimity.
The two Romans frowned; the clerk finished his transcription.
"Sign!" Vitellius ordered Marsyas threateningly.
Marsyas calmly wrote his name in Greek under the voucher. After him Agrippa signed the document.
"Now, listen," Vitellius began conclusively. "I believe neither of you. But for the fact that Cæsar would be burdened with a useless chattel I should let Capito foreclose upon you, Agrippa. But there is a chance that this rigid youth may be telling the truth; if he is not—" the legate closed his thin lips and let the menace of his hard eyes complete the sentence. Marsyas contemplated him, unmoved, undismayed, no less inflexible and determined.
"The punishment for his offense against you, Agrippa, is remitted. Get you gone. Capito! Follow them!"
Totally undisturbed by this sudden entanglement in a supposedly clear skein, Agrippa waved his hand and smiled.
"Many thanks, Vitellius," he said. "Would I could get my debts paid if only to deserve thy respect once more. But thy hospitality must be a little longer strained. The wolves of Jonathan wait without to lay hands on this young man. He must be passed the gates in disguise. I provided for that last night. Admit my servants, I pray thee."
"Have your way, Herod, and fortune go with you, curse you for a winsome knave," Vitellius growled.
Agrippa laughed, but there was no laughter in his eyes.