"Unheard-of mutiny!" he cried, as Cethegus entered.
"What has happened?"
"You know that I placed Bessas, with the Lazian mercenaries, in the trenches of the Gate of Honorius, one of the most important points of the city. Hearing that the temper of these troops was insubordinate I recalled them--and Bessas----"
"Well?"
"Refuses to obey."
"Without reason? Impossible!"
"A ridiculous reason! Yesterday the term of my office expired."
"Well?"
"And Bessas declares that since midnight I am no longer his commander!"
"Shameful! But he is in the right."