CHAPTER XLII.
A slender bluish flame, burning in a marble vessel supported by abronze pedestal of exquisite Corinthian workmanship, diffused bothlight and perfume through the Prefect's sumptuously furnished andrichly decorated tent. Ausonius was lying on the low couch: before himstood the Tribune. Prosper, the old freedman, was pushing forward thecitrus wood dining-table, which ran on rollers.
Herculanus entered, greeted all present pleasantly and took his placeon the second couch, opposite to Ausonius. "Where is Davus?" he askedthe freedman impatiently. "I am thirsty!"
"He ought to have been here long ago," replied Prosper. "He oftenwanders about needlessly, nobody knows where. You must have him put inthe block again, patronus."
"What," cried Ausonius laughing, "have you actually dragged the blockhere, you rigid slave-overseer, all the way from Vindonissa?"
"Three fine ones, patronus. If you take bad slaves with you, I musttake good blocks."
Saturninus was about to go: "The business of the service is over forto-day, Prefect. Perhaps Nannienus may arrive with the galleysto-morrow. He sent a swift galley across the lake to-day: he willarrive very soon. Then, at last, we can begin our work without delay.But," he added in a kindly tone, advancing a step nearer to the lectus,"Will you permit me to utter a word of warning. Prefect Praetor of Gaul?Yesterday, and to-day still more, you complained of illness; chillsfollowed by short attacks of fever: will you not remain here in thecamp to-morrow (Bissula shall nurse you), instead of marching with usinto the swampy forests? I fear you already have the marsh fever."
Just at that moment Davus entered, bringing the beautifulmixing-vessel, filled, and several empty goblets.
"Davus, you lazy hound!" shouted Herculanus. "Quick! I am thirsty!Wine!"
But Saturninus, bending anxiously over the reclining figure, went on:"Acid old Caecubian is said to be a good remedy for this fever. May Isend you some from my store, Prefect?"
But Ausonius still remained silent. Contradictory feelings had beenstruggling for mastery in his soul since the Illyrian's last words. Onthe one hand his resentment was very vehement against the obstinatesoldier who, for some incomprehensible whim, opposed the dearest wishof his heart. But even during these days of constraint Saturninus hadtreated him so respectfully, while he himself had been very harsh tohis old friend. And he loved the gallant General so warmly! And nowthis touching, unfeigned solicitude for his health conquered the kindheart of Ausonius.
"Saturninus! Your affection does me good. My nephew thinks only of onedisease--his own thirst! The business of the service, Tribune, isprobably over; but I entreat you to stay as my guest. Let us forgetwhat briefly estranged us, and remember our beautiful old friendship."
Saturninus quickly grasped the outstretched hand and pressed it warmly:"There your heart spoke, Ausonius! I thank you. I will stay gladly." Hetook his place on the third lectus, which was at the rear of the tentopposite to the entrance and at the right of the two others. "You oughtto have known long ago that my sole wish is your welfare, your realhappiness."
Just at that moment Davus came from the table beside the entrance,where the wine was poured, toward his master. He walked very slowly,for he carried three goblets, all filled: two small ones on a silversalver in his right hand, and the large imperial beaker in his left.With his face turned to the entrance and his back to Saturninus, he hadpoured the wine from the small amphora at the table and then addedspring water from the mixing-vessel.
Herculanus hastily started up, snatched one of the goblets from thesalver and emptied it at one draught. His uncle cast a look ofdisapproval at him, saying, "Could you not wait for my toast?" Then hetook the Emperor's goblet with the three graces. Davus carried the lastcup to the Illyrian and set the silver salver on the table.
"The first draught," said Ausonius, "is usually to the noble Emperor,to whom I owe this beautiful gift. But to-day Gratianus may wait;to-day I drink first to our friendship, my Saturninus!"
"And all that your heart most ardently desires," added the lattersmiling.
Ausonius raised the goblet.
Just at that moment the curtain at the door of the tent was draggedviolently back from the outside: Bissula, her face corpselike in itspallor, her hair fluttering wildly around her, and blood streaming fromher bare right arm, rushed in, shrieking:
"Poison! Do not drink, Ausonius!" She fell forward headlong on thePrefect's couch.
Herculanus sprang up with the speed of lightning, to snatch the cupfrom his uncle's hand and pour its contents on the ground. But, beforehe reached him, the Tribune, who had dropped his own goblet, clutchedhim with a grasp of iron. In spite of his violent struggles, Herculanuscould not move forward an inch. Davus, the old freedman running at hisheels, darted toward the entrance. Prosper shouted loudly, but Davuswent no farther than the door; for here he encountered the Batavian,Rignomer, who seized him by the throat and held him fast.
Ausonius, horrified and bewildered, had set the goblet on the tablebefore him, and now raised Bissula's head. "Poison?" he askedsorrowfully. "Poison me? Who?"
"The dog of a slave, of course!" cried Herculanus, struggling furiouslyin the Illyrian's hold. "Are you in league with Davus, Tribune? Why doyou prevent me from punishing the scoundrel?" And now he actuallysucceeded in releasing his right hand and gripping the dagger in hisbelt.
"Don't let him go," shrieked Bissula, who had now recovered her senses."He is the instigator!"
Just at that moment, summoned by Prosper, who had rushed out screamingfor help, two Thracians on guard before the Prefect's tent, and twoIllyrians who chanced to be passing, came in and, by the Tribune'sorders, seized Herculanus and the slave, who, pale and trembling, couldscarcely stand.
Ausonius, groaning aloud, sank back on his pillows.