"But, suppose all you imagine and insinuate is true in fact. Prove it!
Produce the two robbers. Prove them the robbers by recovering their booty.
If they, so convicted of the robbery, are brought before me, if they
accuse Phorbas of being their accomplice, if they tell a consistent and
convincing tale, if any colorable motive for such association and such a
crime can be alleged against Phorbas, then I'll believe him guilty, and
not till then."
He eyed Lustralis, who spoke further.
"Torture Phorbas!" Corbulo cried. "Absurd! In my court I never torture men
like him, any more than if they were freemen. And though it might be
imperative to torture him for a confession if all the testimony pointed to
his guilt, it is ridiculous to suggest torturing him merely to corroborate
evidence demonstrating his innocence.
"I, hereby, officially as the representative of the Commonwealth,
pronounce Phorbas cleared of all charges connected with this case. I
hereby enjoin all men to assist the Republic to detect and apprehend the
murderers who robbed Falco and killed him."
Lustralis and Asellio looked baffled and sour. A murmur of approval ran
through the bystanders. My fellow-slaves congratulated each other and
rejoiced, save only the janitor.
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