“About Lygdus.” These words were the most mysterious part of Gannon’s message; for Gyges understood thoroughly the character of the eunuch. It was Lygdus who had tried to bribe him to lose a race. It was Lygdus who had tried in the most dastardly manner to drug him. It was the detestable Lygdus who had dared to tamper with his horses. Moreover, the eunuch had been accused of murder; but this accusation, by some subtle means, had been prevented from reaching the courts. He was a panderer to the lust of Sejanus. He was a poor, despicable degenerate, who revelled in all the lowest forms of wickedness. “This is the being,” said Gyges to himself, “who has somehow caused Gannon’s death. To the house of Lygdus I will go. Perchance something may be learned there.”
Gyges now directed his steps to the house of the eunuch. A servant answered his knock at the door.
“Is thy master at home?”
“Nay, O stranger.”
“Where can he be found?” asked Gyges.
“I know not,” replied the servant, as if annoyed.
“When did he leave?”
“This morning.”
“When will he return?”
“I know not. Mayhap on the morrow.”