But the knowledge that Sejanus instigated the murder of Drusus, that Livilla acquiesced, and that Lygdus committed the horrible deed, burdened him with the same feeling that weighs upon the criminal when in breathless expectancy he awaits the sentence of death. Whether absorbed in sad meditation upon the past, or partially engrossed with the affairs of the present, his knowledge of the crime seemed to cut him like a double-edged sword. Perpetually fed by the oil of his fears, his conviction appeared to glow within him like a lamp whose flame cannot be quenched.
After the first two months had passed, he could no longer bear the suspense under which he lived. He must know how Psyche was. He finally concluded to write to Macro, the officer in the Praetorian Camp who had been Gannon’s first employer and who had been a friend of Alcmaeon. Macro was also well known by Gyges. Many times had the soldier gone into the stables at the Circus and learned from Gyges the perfections, the faults, and the nice little points about horses that only thorough horsemen know. Together they had tried many horses that were to be bought by Macro for the use of the soldiers. Gyges therefore felt that he might divulge his hiding-place to Macro without fear. One day he decided to send Aldo to him with a letter, asking information about Psyche and her parents. He procured a horse for the boy and despatched him on his way.
“Guard well the letter, Aldo,” he cautioned. “Let no one see it but Macro. Go not to the stables at the Circus. Thou art not known in the city, but be seen as little as possible.”
“Fear not, O master. No one but Macro shall receive the letter,” said Aldo, as he nervously sat astride the horse, awaiting leave to start on his mission.
“After thou hast received Macro’s reply, go to Nana and tell her that all is well with me. Guard thy words. Speak only when spoken to. Go!”
Six days after the lad had left Casinum he was back again, bright and happy and bursting with news.
“They are well!” he called to Gyges at a distance.
“Didst thou see Macro?” he cried, as the horse and rider approached.
“Ay, and right glad was he, O master, to hear from thee,” said Aldo, as he sprang to the ground.
“What message did he send by thee?” asked Gyges, eagerly.