“In the prison itself or in the city. Once the guards are paid, they will admit whomever I like.”
“In that case take me as a hired servant,” said Vinicius.
But Petronius opposed this most earnestly. “The pretorians might recognize thee even in disguise, and all would be lost. Go neither to the prison nor the ‘Putrid Pits.’ All, including Cæsar and Tigellinus, should be convinced that she died; otherwise they will order immediate pursuit. We can lull suspicion only in this way: When she is taken to the Alban Hills or farther, to Sicily, we shall be in Rome. A week or two later thou wilt fall ill, and summon Nero’s physician; he will tell thee to go to the mountains. Thou and she will meet, and afterward—”
Here he thought a while; then, waving his hand, he said,—
“Other times may come.”
“May Christ have mercy on her,” said Vinicius. “Thou art speaking of Sicily, while she is sick and may die.”
“Let us keep her nearer Rome at first. The air alone will restore her, if only we snatch her from the dungeon. Hast thou no manager in the mountains whom thou canst trust?”
“I have,” replied Vinicius, hurriedly. “Near Corioli is a reliable man who carried me in his arms when I was a child, and who loves me yet.”
“Write to him to come to-morrow,” said Petronius, handing Vinicius tablets. “I will send a courier at once.”
He called the chief of the atrium then, and gave the needful orders. A few minutes later, a mounted slave was coursing in the night toward Corioli.