They might meet each other right here where, we
want them together. I keep nursing that hope.
"Now you know as much as you need to know about our plans."
I thanked him and marvelled at his frankness. But, as I rode home, I
reflected that thinking me the Imperial slave I appeared, he thought me
certain to be secret and, if possible, helpful.
I spent the next day and the next on my crag, watching the fascinating
spectacle afforded by the highway.
On the third day the _Villicus_ chided me for having told my name to the
sub-procurator after I had recaged the panther.
"An Imperial courier has just passed," he said. "He is a close friend of a
trusty friend of mine in Rome. Like most couriers he is obliging and will
carry letters for his friends, even packets. He dropped here a note for
me, warning me that I am likely to lose you. My friend is a crony of some
of the upper slaves in the Palace and of others in the Beast Barracks.
"Your manumission, which was urged by the aldermen of Nuceria, has been
favorably reported and may be ordered. On the other hand, the procurator
in charge of the reserves of arena-beasts has heard of you and vows he
must have you for service in or for the Colosseum. I am likely to lose you
either way.
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