In his bedroom he found his favorite, Antinous. The slave flew to meet him with eager eyes, and as soon as the others had withdrawn, Stephanus sat down on his couch, and called the lad to him.
“Well?” he said in a low voice.
“The game is ours,” said the slave. “But it has cost much trouble and pains....”
“Ours? Do not sell the lion’s skin, before he is in the net.”
“But he is in the net. I have found out everything, and what I know, my lord, will be the death of him as surely....”
“Do not go too fast; the Claudians are powerful. Nothing but the most terrific stroke will fell him.”
“But hear me, and then judge. Quintus Claudius has joined the Nazarenes.”
“Impossible! A millionaire has thrown in his lot with the beggars! It is a lie, boy.” Antinous laughed.
“It sounds like a fable, does not it? But it is the truth all the same. I pledge my head on it: before the week is out Quintus Claudius is taken and sentenced.”
“Boy, you are a jewel!” cried Stephanus beside himself. “If all this proves true, by the gods, I will have you set in gold.”