“Why have I been sought?” persisted Gyges. “Is there not a reason to suspect that a great crime has been committed, when such innocent people are hunted and hurried to prison? Listen to what follows. Thou knowest that Lygdus is one of the greatest villains in Rome. Why should his name be associated in a letter between Livilla and Sejanus? I was with Psyche when she was arrested. We were at Alcmaeon’s house. We entered and saw lying upon the floor Gannon’s tunic. By chance we read the words I have told thee. I went to the camp with Psyche and warned her not to acknowledge having seen the writing. After I left her I went to the house of Lygdus. He was not there. I then went to the palace of Drusus and asked the gate-keeper if Lygdus had entered. I learned that the eunuch had but that morning entered the employ of Livilla. Mark thou, Livilla—not Drusus. While I was talking to the gate-keeper, there were hurried calls for litters. I retreated, and watched the people as they came out in wild disorder. It was said that Drusus had died suddenly. Filled with the fear of my convictions, I waited a little longer. Sejanus appeared. He entered, and a short time after came out with Lygdus. The eunuch remained close to the gate. That is my story. The writing on Gannon’s tunic is the clue to it all.”
“Ye gods! can it be true?” exclaimed Macro.
“Canst thou doubt it?” asked Gyges.
“Nay; I can believe anything about Sejanus. But why hast thou kept silence so long, Gyges?”
“To whom could I tell this story and be believed but to thee, Macro? As soon as I heard of thy promotion, I communicated with thee.”
“By Hercules, O Gyges! It may be too late!” exclaimed Macro.
“What dost thou mean?”
“Ah! Now do I begin to understand clearly the plans of Sejanus. By the gods, O Gyges! He is the emperor! He has already strangled Nero. Agrippina and Drusus are in prison. Verily do I believe that Tiberius himself is a prisoner at Capri!”
“Ye gods! Has the power of Sejanus become so great? But where is Livia?”
“The mother of Tiberius is dead,” replied Macro.