"Neighbour Calpurnius," he said quietly, "if I ever strike thee in the face, thou wilt never rise again."
Calpurnius started back in a fright.
But Witichis gave his horse the spur, and rode proudly and slowly upon his way.
CHAPTER VI.
In his study at Rome, comfortably stretched upon the soft cushions of a lectus, lay Cethegus the Prefect.
He was of good cheer.
His examination had ended with full acquittal. Only in case of an immediate search in his house--such as the young King had ordered, but which his death had frustrated--could discovery have been apprehended.
He had succeeded in gaining permission to complete the fortifications of Rome, supplying the funds out of his own exchequer, which circumstance still more increased his influence in that city.
The evening before he had held a meeting in the Catacombs. All the reports were favourable; the patriots were increasing in number and means.
The greater oppression which since the late occurrences at Ravenna weighed upon the Italians, could but serve to add to the ranks of the malcontents; and, which was the main thing, Cethegus now held all the threads of the conspiracy in his own hands. Even the most jealous Republicans implicitly acknowledged the necessity of committing the conduct of affairs, until the day of deliverance, to the most gifted of men.