“Thinkest thou that he regardeth gold?”
“I doubt it not, my lord! Its glitter dazzles his eyes!”
“Thy loyalty I know to be steadfast, Metopus. I have a secret errand. Dost thou sometimes meet Colurus?”
“We shall meet to-night at the games. What wouldst thou?”
Leander drew from beneath the fold of his tunic the small shining phial containing the potion, and also a purse of gold.
“I would have this potion administered to the Vice Legate! It hath no taste nor smell, and may be mixed in any of his drinks without suspicion.”
Metopus gave a knowing wink to his master.
“And will he fall down when he hath swallowed it? Perchance our footprints could not be covered!”
“Ha! thou sayest well, but I am no fool!”
“Nay, I have served thee too long not to know thy wisdom!”